Prayers will be said this weekend as the first anniversary of the devastating Chevron Refinery explosion and the tragic loss of four lives is remembered.

Tomorrow, Saturday, June 2nd, will mark a year since that fateful evening and one of the worst tragedies to hit the local community in living memory.

The blast at the Chevron (now Valero) refinery shook walls and windows across the waterway, while plumes of black smoke could be seen for miles.

The outpouring of grief and sadness that followed reached every corner of the county and much further afield.

Robert Broome, Andrew Jenkins, Julie Jones and Denny Riley all died in the explosion that happened while workers carried out routine maintenance on one of the refinery’s storage tanks.

A fifth worker, Andrew Phillips, survived the blast but suffered serious injuries.

A spokesman for the refinery said all staff would gather for a private remembrance and period of silence on June 1st, while neighbouring industrial sites surrounding the waterway will also mark the silence at 1.30pm.

Prayers are also to be offered in Pembroke, Milford Haven and the surrounding areas.

Speaking as the anniversary approached, Anita Broome described her husband Robert as “a kind considerate person” who was thought well of in the community.

“He is sadly missed each and every day. His loss has left a terrible hole in our hearts,” she said.

Jane Summons said of her partner Andrew Jenkins: “To fully convey the impact of Andrew’s death upon all of our lives is an emotionally overwhelming experience and understandably, somewhat impossible to explain.

“Andrew’s memory shines brightly in our thoughts and we will remember the wonderful times we shared with him, which we are so grateful for.”

Julie Jones’ son Jack Archer said: “The past year, since the explosion, has been very hard for all of us.

“Her death has left a hole in our lives that we cannot fill.”

Denny Riley’s wife Kathy and family said: “Denny, gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there. We think about you every day and the hurt in our hearts will always stay.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who lost a husband, dad, mum, grandparent, son, daughter or loved one.”