Martello House, which provides a residential home and service for people with autism and learning disabilities at Pembroke Dock, has been given the green light to accept referrals by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales.

Since formally opening in March, Martello House, an eight-bed unit that is next door to Surehaven's Pembroke Hospital, has already built a reputation as a centre of excellence for autism in West Wales. It has run a series of free workshops attended by more than 70 people. It has also held an open information day which attracted over 100 people.

The managing director of Surehaven, Tim Savage, said: "This is the culmination of years of planning to bring this fantastic facility to Pembrokeshire. We are delighted to receive formal registration and I am confident that Martello House and its first class staff will offer a superb service to the local community in West Wales".

Approximately 100 new jobs, including non professional roles, have been created as a result of the building of Martello House and Surehaven Pembroke Hospital. The company worked closely with the town's Job Centre plus team to encourage local applications.