PEMBROKESHIRE Coast National Park’s youth rangers have beaten off stiff competition from 14 national parks across Britain to scoop a national volunteering award.

The youth rangers are made up 16-25-year-olds from across Pembrokeshire, and have been named the winners of the group category in the 2015 UK National Parks Volunteer Awards, landing them a £1,000 bursary towards developing the scheme further.

National Park Authority chairman, Cllr Mike James said: “Whilst millions come from across the UK to experience the National Park each year, many who live in Pembrokeshire are unaware of what they have on their doorstep.

“This group of young people share a passion for getting outdoors, exploring their county and discovering what makes it such a special place.”

One Saturday a month the youth rangers get stuck in to varied practical conservation tasks, and help the public understand what a great place they live in.

National Park Authority Discovery Ranger, Tom Moses added: “Young people from Pembrokeshire face significant barriers to making the most of the outdoor opportunities available to them. Issues identified include lack of transport, confidence and knowledge of opportunities available, as well as worrying about the weather and peer pressure.

“The youth rangers have found that all these can be overcome with ease, and are always incredibly positive about the many great things they experience."

Dan Jones, who has been a youth ranger since 2013 said: “I’ve seen some of Pembrokeshire’s most amazing wild places and animals, made great friends and gained skills that will help me in life, and also helped make a real difference to Pembrokeshire. Now we need to decide how best to spend our £1,000!”

Anyone interested in becoming a youth ranger or wanting more information can get in touch with the National Park Discovery Team by calling 01646 624856 or email tomm@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk.