Twenty-two-year-old mechanical engineering graduate Ben Griffiths, of Tenby, hopes his Ironman Wales efforts will enable him to donate £1,250 for the RNLI.

Inspired to take part after watching last year's sporting spectacle, Ben was 13th in his age group, crossing the finishing line in 11:38:36.

Competing in his first Ironman event, Ben picked up an injury at around mile 67 on the bike ride when he came off his bike between Narberth and Wiseman's Bridge.

"As I turned a corner, I hit a bump in the road and the wheel shot out from under me," he explained. "I slid along the ground, but was lucky as I only suffered cuts and bruises. It slowed me down a bit on the second loop, but stopping for a couple of minutes and having a drink helped to regain my focus."

Ben is not the only member of his family to have an Ironman Wales medal! His dad Simon took part, too, finishing in 15:11:11, together with his uncle, Tenby firefighter and college lecturer, Nicky Rees, who achieved a 12:18:47 time.

"It was great to be at the finish line to see all the local competitors finish as everyone was in such good spirits," said Ben, who hopes to compete in a second Ironman event, possibly one abroad.