Fund-raising by Tenby firefighters over the year has raised £3,000 for the National Firemen's Benevolent Fund.

The cheque was officially presented to Divisional Officer Harry Webber by chairman of the Benevolent Fund, firefighter Lee Simmons, during the Tenby station's annual dinner at the Giltar Hotel on Friday night.

DO Webber was delighted to accept the cheque, thanking everyone who had helped to raise such a "tremendous amount."

"Tenby are always among the top fund-raisers in the brigade and your efforts are very much appreciated," said DO Webber.

"I was told to keep my speech short and just say Tenby is the best station in the world," he smiled.

"But there is a lot of truth in that. You in Tenby do a tremendous amount for charity and we are all very proud of the efforts you make at your charity events and annual carnival which is renowned throughout the county and beyond."

The toast to Tenby firefighters was proposed by the Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, who said that the town was "very proud" of all the firefighters.

"If only you knew how much the town appreciates you, your dedication to the community and how you put yourselves on the line to make sure that people have a good time at the carnival," she said.

"Not enough can be said about you all and the excellent job you do," she added.

DO Webber responded on behalf of the firefighters, adding his appreciation for the dedication of the Tenby firefighters.

"You have jobs and families, yet you give all your spare time to the fire service," he said. "For this dedication, I can only thank you.

"You are a great 'family' here in Tenby. All the time I have known the station, there have never been any disagreements or malice. That sort of unity is something special and I wish Tenby firefighters all well in the future."

Although he was unable to be present due to another commitment, chairman of Tenby Round Table, Carl Evans, echoed the sentiment in a letter read by Table hon. secretary Andrew Davies.

"On behalf of Tenby Round Table, I wish to pass on our appreciation for all the hard work carried out by the boys, not forgetting all the industrious girls in the background," Carl wrote.

"We appreciate your hard and often dangerous work within the community. We know we can always rely on you in an emergency, but also in furthering the local community spirit. The 2002 Firemen's Summer Carnival was a great show."

Mr. Evans also added his thanks to the firefighters for their participation in the Round Table Summer Spectaculars, and for organising the 'hilarious' water raft challenge which helped to "create and sustain a very successful event format."

"Carry on the good work," he added."

In conclusion, Tenby Round Table took great pleasure in being able to present a donation of £500 towards the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund.

MC for the evening was chairman of the Benevolent Fund, FF Simmons, who noted that there had been a few changes at Tenby station over the last 12 months including a new Station Officer, Dicky Lewis, a new sub-officer, Martin Hurlow, and some new leading firefighters

He also noted some new faces and welcomed Mark James to his first dinner, adding that Mark and his father Richard were the first father and son to serve together at Tenby.

FF Simmons thanked everyone for the support given to him at the Summer Carnival.

"This was a tremendous team effort," he said. "I thank all the boys, all their wives and everyone else involved behind the scenes, and the Tenby Observer for continuing to give the event excellent publicity."

FF Simmons recalled numerous humorous incidents and call-outs over the last 12 months, which led to several red faces around the room!

"However, there is a serious side to the job," he added. "And we need to thank our wives for standing by us, and I particularly thank my wife Sarah."

Station Officer Dicky Lewis added that this was his first year attending the dinner as Station Officer and he thanked everyone for attending, particularly the Mayor, DO Webber, Tenby's advisory officer Station Officer Peter Barker and former station officer, Clive Webb and his wife, Ruth.

He thanked FF Simmons for all his efforts as chairman of the Benevolent Fund.

"In my 29 years in the fire service I have never witnessed a better performance as chairman," he said. "The carnival was the best I can remember."

SO Lewis concluded by expressing his thanks to sub-officer Martin Hurlow, LFF Jeremy Lees, FF Phil Lees-Griffiths and all the Tenby Station for their support.

The toast to absent friends was proposed by Richard James, who said that it was a particularly poignant honour for him this year as within the last 12 months former firefighter John Noot, the man who had persuaded him to join the service, had passed away.

On the conclusion of the formal part of the evening, the festive fun continued long into the night with the Robert Mayhew disco.