A CASH boost of £680 has helped Pembrokeshire's WI federation fund part of its 100th birthday celebrations.

The grant, part of the Big Lottery Fund's 'awards for all' fund, enabled the branch to hire a coach and village halls to host 22 guests from the Irish Countrywomen’s Association for an exchange visit to the county.

The ladies were hosted by members in their own homes and taken to places of interest round the county including Pembroke Castle, Tenby, St Dogmael’s and St David’s Cathedral.

Many friendships were formed and the ladies plan to return to the county with family and friends in the future.

The trip was part of a host of events to celebrate the Women's Institute's centenary.

The first WI in England and Wales opened in Llanfair PG in Anglesey in 1915.

Today there are around 6,600 WIs round the country with 212,000 members.

In Pembrokeshire there are 55 branches, with approximately 1,200 members in total.

All this week, local members have been at Pembrokeshire County Show, with a display on their history, and have been teaching children in the Play Zone how to knit.

The federation plans to end its centenary celebrations with a special Service at St David’s Cathedral at the beginning of December.