A group of South Pembrokeshire residents, who banded together to raise funds for their local playground, are 2018's first winners of the Pride in Pembrokeshire Awards.

The Save Our Skrinkle Park (SOSP) group in Manorbier have been given £200 as the January winners of the award.

The voluntary not-for-profit community group was formed by residents on the Skrinkle housing estate to raise money to replace the ageing equipment on the local playground.

Fundraising activities include discos, sponsored bike rides, pub quizzes and barbecues and a number of new items of play equipment have already been installed.

The Pride in Pembrokeshire judges felt that the group demonstrated the positive impact a community has in coming together to save and develop something of value to them

Angela Elliott, vice-chairman of the Skrinkle group, said: “Some of the older members were involved in fundraising to replace equipment 25 years ago and are committed to ensuring their children and grandchildren have access to high quality play facilities for the next quarter century.

“Many members of the group have learned a whole range of new skills, including writing a constitution, applying for charity status and submitting funding applications.

“All members of the group feel it's been an empowering journey, and a great way for the community to integrate and focus on an issue we’re all passionate about.”

The group set themselves a target of £45,000 and have already raised £29,000.

To submit an application for the next Pride in Pembrokeshire £200 cheque, just download the application form from the PAVS website pavs.org.uk or contact PAVS on 01437 769422.

Detail the work of the group and how it benefits the community in no more than 500 words and send the completed form to PAVS at the address provided.

Launched last year, the Pride initiative is designed to reward community and voluntary groups who improve the well-being of their communities.

The Pride in Pembrokeshire awards is the result of a partnership between the Pembrokeshire Public Services Board (PSB) and the Western Telegraph.