A heritage project in South Pembrokeshire which relies heavily on the support and dedication of volunteers is one of three in Wales to have been given a total of £1.2m by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The project, the restoration of the Bonded Stores in Narberth, will also create invaluable opportunities for people of all ages to learn about our rich heritage.

Narberth Museum is one of the projects to benefit from this substantial cash injection and has been awarded a grant of £586,500 which will see the derelict Bonded Stores brought back to life and become the permanent home for the museum's collection.

Built in 1907, the Bonded Stores is a former industrial warehouse and when conservation work is complete the building will be given a new lease of life and made suitable for exhibiting and conserving the museum's collection of 15,000 items of local and regional significance covering the last two centuries.

It will also accommodate a bookshop, coffee shop, community space, education suite and research room.

This grant will also fund a number of educational and learning opportunities for volunteers, staff and students, and a heritage learning officer will be appointed to develop museum-based activities, educational packs, oral history, guided walks and cultural events.

Sue Lloyd has been an active volunteer at Narberth Museum over the past 10 years helping with research and publications.

Sue believes this project will provide invaluable learning opportunities for volunteers to broaden their skills base.

She said: "Since retiring I've gained so much from volunteering at Narberth Museum. I've learned new skills, made friends and developed a passion for history I never had at school!"

Pauline Griffiths, curator of Narberth Museum, commented: "Volunteers have been the key to our success. Without their experience, skills and commitment, we would never have made it.

"This grant means we can continue to work together to bring the collection back to its newly-restored and exciting new home in the Bonded Stores."