Local firefighters who travelled to Japan in March to help with the post-earthquake search and rescue operation have been thanked by the chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council.

Clr. John George held a reception at County Hall for the group of firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Among them was firefighter Paul Dyson, of Pembroke Dock (pictured, second from left). He and his colleagues spent four days in Japan as part of a larger search and rescue team. Paul was also part of an emergency team which travelled to Haiti after the country's earthquake in January 2010.

Also pictured are (left to right) Clr. Tom Tudor, member of Mid and West Wales Fire Authority, Clr. John George, Mrs. Nan George, and Pembrokeshire County Commander Steve Bryant. Clr. Pearl Llewellyn was unable to attend.