Tenby’s fun-loving firemen were praised for both sides of their heroic job by two leading community figures at their annual Christmas dinner on Friday evening.

Both Clr. Wynne Evans, chair of Mid and West Wales Fire Authority, and Clr. Paul Rapi, paid tribute to their work as firemen and also as fundraisers for their benevolent fund at the festive celebration at the town’s Giltar Hotel.

“I am proud to call myself a friend of Tenby Fire Station,” said Clr. Evans in his after-dinner speech. “Your community spirit is amazing and the work and atmosphere you create on carnival day is brilliant, with the funds raised simply fantastic. Tenby is a very special place indeed and I thank you all for your outstanding commitment to the fire service. I really am proud to call you all pals of mine.”

Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Paul Rapi, also said he was proud of the firefighters - many of whom he had taught at Greenhill School!

“You work so well together for the good of the community and I thank you for the job you do as Mayor, on behalf of Tenby Town Council and the whole town,” he said.

Chairman of the firefighters carnival committee, Rhys Thomas, who also acted as master of ceremonies, added his own thanks to everyone who had made the carnival a success this year, despite the atrocious weather. He was delighted to announce that in excess of £5,000 had been raised for the firefighters benevolent fund, with a special thanks to main event sponsor, Lesley Fisher, of Tenby House Hotel.

• At the end of the evening, Clr. Evans, who is also chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, announced he would be taking the plunge in the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim in aid of the firefighters benevolent fund.