The fundraising work of Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim stalwart Martyn Williams has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

Chairman of the Saundersfoot Festivities Association, 69-year-old Martyn has received the British Empire Medal for his services to charities in the county, and said that he was ‘absolutely delighted’ with the honour.

This year’s swim saw 1,856 swimmers take on the challenge for charity.

“Thirty-three years on and this event is getting bigger and better, with thousands of pounds being raised for charity,” said retired teacher Martyn, who is originally from Llangennech, near Llanelli, and came to Pembrokeshire in 1969 to teach Religious Education at Tenby’s Greenhill School.

Martyn and his wife Carol have three sons - Steve, Andrew and Chris, who are all involved in the organising of the annual swim.

Indeed, Saundersfoot postmaster Chris was awarded the BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last year for services to the Royal Mail and charitable fundraising.

Dressed as a pirate, Chris was one of 10 hardy souls who braved the first Saundersfoot swim in 1984, and 33 years on, it is one of the premier events in the county’s calendar.

The Saundersfoot Festivities Association expressed their joy at the recognition by Her Majesty for Martyn, who has been chairman of the organisation from the very start and has helped to guide the continuing development of the swim.

They also paid tribute to the many volunteers, sponsors, swimmers, committee members and spectators who ensure the success of each swim by their contribution.