Tributes have been paid to a renowned sand artist whose creations featured prominently on Tenby’s beaches and across Pembrokeshire in recent years.

Marc Treanor sadly passed away this month, with details on his death unknown at this time.

Marc’s sand sketches often featured on Tenby’s North Beach, where onlookers would often gather at vantage points to watch his mesmerising creations unfold.

His work often carried an environmental message too, working with organisations such as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Visit Wales to highlight campaigns such as ‘Year of the Sea’.

A couple of years ago he helped the National Theatre Wales to promote their Tenby production of the ‘Tide Whisperer’ - which told the story of migration, immigration, displacement and mass movement.

A spokesperson for NTW said: “We are so sad to hear of the loss. His beautiful creations were a reminder at all times to be connected to and inspired by the natural world around us.”

Extinction Rebellion Pembrokeshire joined forces with Marc last summer for their Mass Beach Beauty event, creating a 60m wide Extinction Rebellion logo, inviting people, local and visiting families alike, to enter the logo and create their own art and messages inspired by things they love about our amazing coastline, sea and the planet we all share as our home.

Marc who lived in Dinas also used his art to raise awareness of such issues as organ donation, and ‘Save the Children’, whilst he was also asked to mark special occasions such as wedding anniversaries and birthdays, by creating unique messages on the sands of the county’s beaches.

Only last year, a couple of huge Harry Potter fans enjoyed a magical Saturday afternoon in Tenby when Marc illustrated their wedding proposal on the beach, by creating a Harry Potter-themed coat of arms with the words ‘Nia, will you marry me?’ emblazoned underneath.

Director of countryside, community and visitor services at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park James Parkin stated on Twitter: “Absolutely heartbreaking to hear that we have lost the talented and inspirational Pembrokeshire sand artist Marc Treanor.

“He gave us all a chance to look at the natural world differently and the magic that he created will stay in our hearts forever. A tragic loss indeed.”

Pembrokeshire Eco Champions, also took to social media to pay tribute: “Today we learned of the huge loss of our wonderful friend, sand artist Marc Treanor. Rest well mate. It was a great pleasure knowing and collaborating with you.”