Pembrokeshire County Council is leading the way among Welsh local authorities in its use of social media.

That’s according to Clr. Neil Prior, cabinet member for transformation and IT, who has praised the success of the council’s Instagram launch.

Within the first month, more than 600 users had signed up to the council’s new bilingual Instagram account - and numbers are continuing to grow.

The image-led digital platform - currently the UK’s fastest-growing social media network - joins the council’s established Facebook and Twitter accounts, which together account for more than 27,000 users.

Clr. Prior said the foundations laid by the digital team had been built on to engage with members of the public in new and exciting ways, including using Facebook live as part of the budget consultation.

He said: “The fact that we are now live on Instagram shows our willingness to reach wider audiences using other digital platforms.

“I am confident that we are leading the way in Wales on our use of social media and my thanks go to the team for making this happen.”

The new Instagram account will showcase stories and updates from the various council departments, as well as giving an insight into the work of officers and members.

Short video clips - known as Instagram stories - will also be used to boost customer engagement and signpost them to further information and support.

Coleen Pearce, digital communications officer, said follower numbers are building every day.

“People like the visual nature of Instagram, and as we go along we are hoping to use all of the tools that Instagram offers such as uploading videos and stories,” she said.

“Our social media channels are providing a great way for us to communicate directly with our customers and engage in conversation.”