There was a unique creative project in store for those taking part in this year's High Tide summer holiday workshops - a week-long carnival camp held at Skrinkle Community Centre in Manorbier, last week (writes Karen Pereczes).

Children, whose ages ranged from four to 15 years, had the opportunity to work with locals, sculptor and artist Christopher Elliott and youth workers and musicians Lyn Evans and Vincent Pereczes, to paint and create models with a coastal theme.

Says Christopher: "My work has an environmental, conservation or natural history connection. As well as having fun, hopefully they've discovered more about the diversity of wildlife that lives among us, as well as recognising specific birds and what to look for in rock pools."

The children researched birds and marine life found on the Pembrokeshire coast - making authentic models of seabirds and eggs for the parade, as well as painting a large canvas with their designs using the batik method.

Mr. Michael and Mrs. Susan Brett, on holiday here from Chorley in Lancashire, booked their five children in for the event.

"The children have been so involved," said Michael, "it's been good for them to spend a whole week on the project."

"They've been able to mix in well with the local children and have really enjoyed it," Susan added.

Says Lyn: "There's been a strong community feel to the week, with parents and even grandparents getting involved.

"One particular local grandparent, who initially offered to help out with refreshments, ended up involved with the creative process, making paper maché eggs, and was splattered with paint in the process!"

The climax of the event was a lively and colourful parade through Manorbier village to the beach, led my musicians Jason Lawday playing the bagpipes, Robin Goodfellow on the accordion and Gerald Conn drumming on a bohdran.

Locals lined the streets to cheer the procession on as the children with their puffins, oystercatchers, gannets and a life-sized seal bobbed along to the sound of the music. To see how proud the children and their parents were of the things they had made was really heart-warming.

Local boy Fabian Henderson, aged 5, said: "My favourite thing about the week has been painting fishes."

The event was organised by Manorbier And District Community Arts Programme (MADCAP).

Angela Rogers, secretary of MADCAP, explained: "This year was seen as a pilot venture. We knew it was going to be on a small scale, as we didn't have a big budget. We aim to build on that for next year to run something a lot more ambitious."

The High Tide team would like to thank the Community Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Lowless and Lowless solicitors in Pembroke, Manorbier Post Office and Manorbier Garden Centre for their support.

Any local businesses wishing to offer help or donations for next years event should contact Angela Rogers on (01834) 871931.