Being dragged out of bed at the age of 13 to take part in Saundersfoot’s first-ever festive swim, little did Chris Williams know that three decades on it would lead to him receiving a royal accolade for his charity work.

Dressed as a pirate, Chris was one of 10 hardy souls who braved the briny on Boxing Day 1984. The event was only ever meant as a one-off to raise funds for what was then the village’s new sports club changing rooms, as well as equipment for the medical centre. But 32 years on, it is one of the premier events in the county’s calendar.

In 1986, the swim was switched to its now traditional New Year’s Day slot and over the years, it has grown in stature and occasion.

This year, 1,611 swimmers raised £47,530 for 61 charitable and worthy causes. In the history of the event, it has raised over £560,000.

As well as being one of the leading lights of Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim committee, which organises the event, Chris also has the proud honour of being able to say he has never missed a swim - along with Saundersfoot’s John Joseph.

A Royal Mail postman, Chris, 45, was over the moon to receive the British Empire Medal from Her Majesty The Queen in her birthday honours list, announced on Saturday, for his charitable work in Saundersfoot.

But he was quick to dedicate it to the New Year’s Day Swim and everyone involved in its organisation.

“This is great for us as a family, but the award is not only for me, it is for the community of Saundersfoot and the Saundersfoot Festivities committee,” said Chris, whose dad Martyn, now chairman of the New Year’s Day Swim committee was one of the founders.

“We are only a small committee, but everyone has a job to do and we do it to the utmost of our ability. We try to think of new ideas every year to promote the swim which just keeps evolving.

“The charity and promotional work really does take up 12 months of the year, whether it be liaising with sponsors, designing new hoodies, t-shirts, beer mats, posters and hoardings, and of course getting celebrities on board too.”

And Chris, who also finds time to manage Pembrokeshire Schools Under 15s rugby team, added: “I am very proud to be involved with the swim. The support we get from the community council, harbour commissioners and chamber of tourism, plus the sponsors and the local businesses, pubs and restaurants, really does pull the whole village together for New Year’s Day.

“I cannot forget our working party of around 25 volunteers who turn out on the day to do so many jobs - they help make the swim.”

Chris is married to Julie and the couple have three children Elliot, 20, a student at the University of Bristol, Harri, 16, a pupil at Greenhill School, Tenby, and 11-year-old Maddie, who attends Saundersfoot School.