SETTING sail on the Haven waterway will be even safer for young seafarers following a donation to Neyland Yacht Club.

Valero Pembroke Refinery has provided funds to replace trailers to get safety boats in and out of the water for junior sailors sessions,currently enjoyed by more than 30 children aged between eight and 16, including those with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Senior dinghy instructor Rhys Bromhall, said: “Neyland has a really wonderful record of success in training children and young people how to sail.

"A number of our young sailors have made it into national racing and performance squads, and we have even had success with one of our sailors making it into the Great Britain Paralympic development squad.

"We aim to provide our young sailors with a nationally recognised award as well as a sport they will enjoy for life, and we are incredibly thankful to Valero for this amazing donation that will help the club hugely.”

Stephen Thornton, refinery public affairs manager, added: “Neyland Yacht Club has an amazing training programme for young people, and provides a really inclusive and accessible facility for them to learn how to sail in a safe environment. Valero were really delighted to be able to help the club purchase this much needed equipment, and we hope these new trailers will play a small but important role in supporting children now and in the future in their sailing development.”