Young people taking part in Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) schemes in Pembrokeshire will be able to rely on top notch equipment during future expeditions.

Thanks to oil giant Valero, the DofE organiser in Pembrokeshire, David Sommerville, recently took delivery of around £1,000 worth of tents and rucksacks.

Valero is a gold associate sponsor of the youth awards programme - now in its 61st year - and Ian Gwilym, of the Welsh DofE Awards office, said the company’s continuing support was much appreciated.

He added: “The financial help Valero gives us in invaluable and this generous donation of equipment will certainly be put to good use by our young participants.”

David Sommerville said he wanted to give a big thank you to Valero and its staff at the Pembroke refinery on behalf of the DofE students.

“This magnificent gesture will certainly benefit those young people taking part in the DofE expeditions who may not be able to afford all the equipment needed,” he said.

For Valero, Stephen Thornton, refinery public affairs manager, said: “Valero Pembroke Refinery is proud to be a long standing supporter of the DofE scheme, and are once again very pleased to see Pembrokeshire students benefit from this sponsorship.

“We know this equipment will be put to very good use and wish all the students completing their expeditions the best of luck.”