A YOUNG carer from Haverfordwest was among those welcomed to a special Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday (Dec 5), hosted by the charity’s patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.

Ambassadors, staff and young people supported by Action for Children were invited to the fifth annual Together at Christmas service, held to recognise and thank people across the UK who are showing love, compassion and community spirit in their daily lives.

Among the guests was sixteen-year-old Meghan, from Haverfordwest, who helps care for her younger sister, who has autism, OCD and a learning disability. She attended the event with Vikki Phillips from Action for Children’s Pembrokeshire Young Carers service.

The service brought together a 1,600-strong congregation, including Members of the Royal Family, and offered a moment to reflect on the importance of love in all its forms — within families, friendships, communities and even moments shared between strangers.

Meghan said: “Being invited to Westminster Abbey felt amazing – it’s something I’ll never forget. The carol service was so festive and uplifting, and it made me feel proud to be part of a community that cares so much about helping others. It was lovely to see everyone come together to celebrate love and kindness.”

Vikki Phillips added: “It was an incredible honour to be part of such a special occasion at Westminster Abbey. The service was a beautiful reminder of how love and kindness can transform lives, and it was inspiring to see so many people celebrated for the positive impact they make in their communities. For our young carers and families, moments like this show that their efforts and resilience truly matter.”

Action for Children said it was thrilled to have such dedicated young people and staff representing the charity at the event, demonstrating its commitment to building a more caring and connected society. Further details on guests can be provided on request.

The carol service was filmed for broadcast and will air as part of a special programme on ITV and ITVX on Christmas Eve.

Support service and supplier categories recognise Milford Haven firm’s work with outdoor events

RM TRAINING and Security Solutions Ltd has been shortlisted for two national honours at the Festival Supplier Awards 2026, placing the Pembrokeshire-based company among the top outdoor-event service providers in the UK.

The finalists were announced this week ahead of the awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London. The annual event celebrates the teams and suppliers who deliver festivals and large-scale outdoor events across Britain.

RM Training and Security Solutions has been named a finalist in two categories — Best Support Service (Training) and Best Supplier — recognising its growing reputation for high-quality training provision, professional standards, and reliable on-the-ground event support.

Now in their eleventh year, the Festival Supplier Awards have become a staple of the industry calendar, providing a platform for companies to showcase innovation, specialist expertise and sector-leading achievements.

Event director Michelle Tayton said the standard of entries this year had been exceptional.

“Once again, we’ve been blown away by both the volume and calibre of entries for the Festival Supplier Awards,” she said. “Our finalists really highlight the creativity, capability and capacity that exists within the outdoor event industry. Making the shortlist is an achievement in itself and RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has been recognised for its hard work and ability to deliver.”

Entries are judged by a panel of high-profile industry professionals, including representatives from Live Nation, IMG, London Marathon Events, CarFest, Engine No.4, Stable Events, and other major UK organisers.

The ceremony and gala dinner will take place in London on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

SAUNDERSFOOT’S Christmas lights were officially switched on Christmas lights were officially switched on yesterday evening (Friday, 5 December), with hundreds turning out in wet and windy conditions to welcome Santa, enjoy live music and celebrate the start of the village’s festive season.

The annual event began with performances from local singers and community choirs, who brought warmth to the cold evening with carols outside businesses in the heart of the village. Singers dressed in bright pink hats drew a large crowd as they performed under the twinkling canopy of lights.

The parade followed shortly after, led by a tractor decorated with illuminated antlers and towing Santa in his sleigh. Elves in festive costumes accompanied the convoy along the high street, waving to families who lined the pavements despite the rain.

Santa was joined by popular mascots including the RNLI lifeboat crewman, a giant crab character, and a familiar rugby mascot, stopping for photos with excited children throughout the evening. Many queued to meet Father Christmas at a glowing, bauble-shaped light installation — one of the most popular photo spots of the night.

As the countdown reached zero, the village’s towering Christmas tree burst into light, followed by the illuminated “Welcome to Saundersfoot” sign that frames the entrance to the village centre. Cheers rang out as the decorations lit up the night sky, marking the official start of Saundersfoot’s Christmas period.

Local businesses remained open late, and Harbwr Bar & Kitchen provided a bright backdrop as families gathered to watch Santa depart on his sleigh.

Despite the conditions, organisers said the turnout was “fantastic” and thanked volunteers, the Saundersfoot community groups, and emergency services for helping the evening run smoothly.

Photos: Gareth Davies/Herald