Some 30 volunteers from Valero's Pembroke refinery gave a day of their time to make over the Anchorage Social Activity Centre (SAC) in Pembroke Dock.

The centre helps people with a wide range of disabilities, including Down's Syndrome, to lead as normal and fulfilling lives as possible but has experienced no increase in funding in recent years.

This meant that the building was in need of some care and attention, so Valero provided both the materials and the labour to redecorate all rooms used for the provision of care.

The initiative was led by Rob Duncan, a process engineer at the refinery, who explained what drew him to the idea.

"I know two people with Down's Syndrome and I have seen first-hand the difference that centres like Pembroke Dock SAC can make. With high quality care, many with Down's can go on to live independent lives and gain paid employment. Without proper care, in many cases such independence would be impossible."

By the end of the day, all the external walls had been painted as well as 12 rooms in 12 different colours, with all the furniture replaced so that the centre was open for business on the Monday morning.

Centre staff expressed real admiration for the ethos of the Valero volunteers.

Charlotte Barber, the SAC manager, said: "The volunteers from Valero worked really hard and achieved a huge amount. As a result, our centre is brighter and fresher, a big improvement both inside and out.

"I think it's a great scheme and we couldn't have achieved so much in such a short time without this opportunity to work with Valero. I am incredibly grateful to everyone involved."