WET and windy winter weather failed to deter huge numbers of volunteers taking to Freshwater West beach recently for a major beach cleaning effort.

In the first Pembroke Refinery volunteer project of 2016, more than 50 members of the refinery workforce and their friends and families joined with volunteers from the National Trust, Natural Resources Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the local community to comb the miles of sandy beach and rocky shoreline for unwanted rubbish and debris washed ashore.

Their efforts netted a massive collection of more than 200 bags of litter, with wind-battered volunteers rewarded with a warm cup of tea and cakes provided by the National Trust.

Chairman of the Valero Volunteer Council (VVC) Richard Jelley said: “Every year members of the workforce at Valero, and their friends and family, donate thousands of hours to volunteering projects across Pembrokeshire, and we have started off 2016 with another huge turnout of volunteers.

“We have taken part in many beach cleans over the years, but helping this National Trust project is our biggest yet. Whilst the conditions were challenging, it is hugely rewarding to be able to contribute in this practical way to keeping our world famous beaches pristine for everyone to enjoy.”

Rhian Sula the National Trust’s visitor experience and community officer for Stackpole said: “The National Trust is dedicated to preserving and enhancing our nation’s heritage and open spaces, and keeping Pembrokeshire’s beaches beautiful is an important part of that.

“We were thrilled by the support from Valero’s volunteers, and would like to say a huge thank you to all those who took part. It was fantastic to see so many people help to improve our local environment.”