Budding canoeists around the county are being urged to 'come and try' paddling a canoe as part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Several free-of-charge taster sessions of canoeing have been organised in conjunction with 'Paddle Pembrokeshire', which will see professional canoeists take to the water between May 19 and 25 in a 200-mile challenge event presenting a fresh perspective of Pembrokeshire's rich and varied coastline.

Porthgain Harbour provides the first opportunity for involvement when Preseli Venture will be holding an afternoon 'come and try' event for over 18s, including sea-launching the canoes into the water.

Competent canoeists are welcome to team up with St. Davids Kayak Club at the beginning of the week for an evening paddle in Portgain. Those wishing to attend are asked to provide their own equipment.

Pembroke Canoe Club will also be joining in with the water-based events by hosting a canoe water polo game at Stackpole Quay, and invite experienced players and members of other Pembrokeshire canoe clubs to take part.

The final day of 'Paddle Pembrokeshire' takes in some of the Daugleddau's spectacular scenery, with Pembrokeshire Watersports leading an afternoon Canadian canoe trip from Cleddau River Centre, Pembroke Dock to Carew. Fifty places are available on a first-come first-served basis for people to join the paddle, which is pre-booking essential with Pembrokeshire Watersports on (01646) 622013.

The week-long celebrations culminate in an early evening 'come and try' session led by Pembrokeshire Watersports, in Carew. Anyone wishing to try their hand at paddling a canoe is invited to meet at Carew Castle picnic site.

Members of the public are also invited to join the land-based events - which are also free of charge - taking place during the week, including an afternoon porpoise watch at Strumble Head, led by Cliff Benson, of PORP (Pencaer Observation and Recording Programme).

Other activities scheduled involve an evening marine life slide show at Dale Yacht Club, where local marine life experts will highlight Pembrokeshire's hidden underwater treasures.

The full programme of public events for the week includes:

Sunday, May 19: Porpoise watch, Strumble Head, 2 to 4 pm.

Monday, May 20: 'Come and try' canoe session for 18s and over, led by Preseli Venture, Porthgain Harbour, 2 to 5 pm.

St. Davids Kayak Club paddle session, Porthgain Harbour, 5.30 pm for 6 pm start. Competent canoeists only.

Wednesday, May 22: Marine life slide show, Dale Yacht Club, 7.30 to 8.15 pm.

Thursday, May 23: Pembroke Canoe Club water polo game, Stackpole Quay, 5.30 for 6 pm start.

Saturday, May 25: Canadian canoe trip, Cleddau River Centre, Pembroke Dock to Carew, 3 to 6 pm. Pre-booking essential with Pembrokeshire Watersports on (01646) 622013.

'Come and try' canoe session, led by Pembrokeshire Watersports, Carew picnic site, start between 6-6.30 pm.