Team 76 of the Prince's Trust Cymru, based at the Trust's Neyland centre, recently wowed their audience at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College.

The Team's Final Presentation on September 5 was the culmination of their 12 week personal development course, and was an opportunity to let the public know about their achievements.

Team-building activities, including a residential week in Lawrenny with a 'mission impossible' theme, provided the 16-25 year old Pembrokeshire volunteers with the skills necessary to tackle challenging community and environmental projects.

One such project was the initial phase of an Entrust funded three year project, strongly supported by Texaco, to convert disused land and buildings at Pwllchrochan into an environmental study centre.

The team also spent a week near Tenby removing Foot and Mouth fencing in conjunction with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Libby Robinson, Ranger for the Park in the south of the county, thanked the team for their hard work and presented them with certificates gained throughout the programme.

After gaining many new skills and completing work placements in areas of interest to the volunteers, the group planned to take youngsters from Barnardos, Pembroke Dock out for on an action packed week including visits to local attractions such as Oakwood and Folly Farm.

Through events including car-washing at Haverfordwest Carnival, a fancy-dress bed push around Tenby, and a balloon race launched from Riverside Quay the Team raised enough money to fund the week which proved a great success.

Now they have completed the course, most of the volunteers have gone into employment or further training. However, they can stay in touch with the Prince's Trust and build upon their success at the new weekly 'drop-in' sessions run for ex-volunteers at the Neyland centre. This new initiative is an exciting opportunity to offer further support young people in the county.

For further information on the drop-in centre, or on the 12 week programme (next team starting on October 22) call (01646) 603130.