Three local groups have each received £1,000 after being named the winners of a new Community Fund created by Visit Pembrokeshire in partnership with holidaycottages.co.uk.

Recognising charities and organisations making a positive impact in the county, the Community Fund reflects the shared vision of Visit Pembrokeshire and holidaycottages.co.uk in delivering regenerative tourism - tourism that gives back more than it takes.

Following a county-wide promotional campaign to encourage groups to apply, an overwhelming number of high-quality responses were received. Emma Thornton CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire said: “We were so impressed by all the applications and people doing such valuable work around the county.”

The three winners celebrating their funding are: Swim Narberth CIO, providing affordable and accessible swimming facilities for people of all ages; Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock charity The VC Gallery; and Clarbeston Road AFC with Clarby Warriors Pan Disability, a grassroots football club which provides inclusive opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to play and thrive.

Swim Narberth group plays a vital role in supporting health, wellbeing and water safety in the community.

Commenting on the win, manager Alice Brumby-Jones said: “Our lovely charity-run pool is here for the community. Over 10 years ago the council wanted to offload the pool, so the community came together and raised over £130,000 to save it. It’s been run as a charity ever since. We run swimming lessons for nearly 400 children, adult lessons, aquafit, public sessions, and even a Rookie Lifeguard programme which teaches youngsters about water safety and rescue skills. We’re really grateful to have received the grant which will help us cover things like free swimming sessions and help us in our quest to keep the pool running for everyone.”

The VC Gallery, the only armed forces charity that also works with the wider community, supports people from dementia patients to those with physical disabilities.

Founder Barry John MBE served 24 years in the Royal Welsh and saw there was a need for social and emotional support in Pembrokeshire. “I used my pension to set up the gallery, and in over 11 years it’s grown thanks to brilliant trustees, staff and community members. We now run around 26 projects, from gardening and art to walking groups and surfing, tackling isolation and mental health through creative engagement. This grant will support our outreach and projects like helping families learn to grow, cook and share cost-effective, healthy food.”

VC Gallery volunteer Peter Worthington added, “The money will go towards lots of micro projects such as helping kids who come in with their parents to do art classes.”

A spokesperson for Clarby Warriors Pan Disability said: “We’ve built a brilliant team spirit where our players can enjoy the game, develop skills, and make friends in a supportive environment. This funding will help us cover equipment and training costs. It will also make it easier for us to travel to matches and tournaments.”

For further information about the fund, go to www.visitpembrokeshire.com/industry/community-fund-initiative