A number of Pembrokeshire young people have been presented with their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

At a presentation evening in the De Valence Pavilion, Tenby, recently, the 178 bronze awards were handed out - the second best total ever for the county.

But Pembrokeshire County Council's Duke of Edinburgh Award co-ordinator, Dave Sommerville, revealed that the figure could have been even higher, but for the Foot and Mouth outbreak last year.

He explained: "Even though there were no reported cases of Foot and Mouth in the county, a number of expeditions connected to the Duke of Edinburgh scheme had to be cancelled because of the restrictions which were imposed.

"Under those circumstances, we are very pleased with the number of youngsters who were able to complete their bronze awards."

The awards were presented by former Wales international footballer, Ian Walsh, an ex-pupil of Ysgol Dewi Sant. Ian is now a soccer summariser and pundit for BBC Wales Sport.

Other speakers during the evening were Steve Drinkwater, chairman of the Pembrokeshire Duke of Edinburgh's Award Committee, and Sandra Skinner, the scheme's regional officer.

Music during the evening was provided by Greenhill School Jazz Band.

Mr. Sommerville said a big thank you was also due to all the teachers, youth leaders and volunteer helpers who had made the scheme such a success in Pembrokeshire.

Among the recipients were:

Greenhill School/Ysgol Greenhill: Leon Baines; Pete James; Luc Jenkins; Andrew John; Emma John; Simon Johnson; Lucy Johnson; Sarah-Jane Smiles; Samantha Smith; Ceri Thomas.

Pembroke School/Ysgol Penfro: Laura Allen-Clarke; Meggie Birchard; Elin Cox; Rhiannon Griffiths; Richard Hay; Catherine John; Kirsty Jones; Molly Jones; Emma Morgan; Eleanor Power; Bethan Rogers; Sarah Young.

For details of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in Pembrokeshire, ring Dave Sommerville on (01437) 775235.