The importance of one of Pembrokeshire’s most successful funding partnerships has been underlined by the manager of Pembrokeshire County Council’s sport and music services.

Since 1992, Valero Pembroke Refinery has funded a wide range of extra-curricular sport and music festivals, competitions and programmes in the county.

Ben Field, manager of the the County Council’s sport and music services, said the refinery’s commitment and generosity had benefited many thousands of children and young people over the years – and continues to do so.“Valero’s sponsorship means Sport Pembrokeshire has delivered a huge number of sport development projects, as well as the prestigious annual Sport Pembrokeshire awards,” he said.

“Recent projects include primary and secondary school sport competitions, special educational needs festivals, school events for street dance, badminton, girls’ football, basketball, girls’ cricket, table tennis and hockey, disability sport events for boccia and football, a young leaders’ programme, and more.

“Valero also supports Pembrokeshire’s Music Service including the annual primary and secondary county music festivals which are undoubtedly among the highlights of the school musical year in Pembrokeshire. They also fund a programme for more able and talented young musicians.

“We are extremely grateful for Valero’s continuing support.”

Clr. Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, echoed Ben’s thanks.

“Our Sport and Music services offer children and young people a fantastic range of extra-curricular opportunities as a result of Valero’s generosity,” he said.

“We are so pleased that our children and young people are able to enjoy and benefit from these valuable opportunities.

He added: “Valero’s commitment is particularly appreciated in what is currently a period of financial austerity for music and sports development services locally and nationally.”

Stephen Thornton, Refinery Public Affairs Manager, said: “Valero and Pembroke refinery have supported these initiatives for many years and they are important to the ongoing development of children in Pembrokeshire. We look forward to another successful year.”