YOUNG people from across the county were recognised for their courage, talent and community spirit at this year’s Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards.

The fourth annual celebration, organised by Pembrokeshire Youth, the Children and Young People’s Rights Office and Pembrokeshire County Council Children’s Services, honours children and young people who achieve exceptional things and make a real difference in their communities.

Originally planned for November, the event was postponed due to severe weather but successfully went ahead on Thursday (Feb 6) at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College, thanks to support from sponsors BAM Nuttall, Milford Haven Port Authority, Pure West Radio and Ascona Group.

Councillor Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member for Young People, Communities and the Wellbeing of Future Generations, praised those taking part.

He said: “It was a privilege to hear how our young people have triumphed within their own lives and within their communities. Huge thanks go to the organisers and sponsors who made this celebration possible.”

Chair of council Cllr Maureen Bowen added: “The evening was a joy to attend. It highlighted the incredible talent of Pembrokeshire’s young people and gave real hope for the future of the county.”

The ceremony opened with a video message from First Minister Eluned Morgan, who offered her congratulations despite being unable to attend in person.

Award winners

Among those recognised on the night were:

• Welsh Language – Emma Nicholas
• Fundraising – Ben Stanton (winner); Jack Gray and Milford Haven Youth Council (runners up)
• EcoChampion – Tomos Roberts
• Achieving Positive Change – Alfie Harper (winner); Amber Allerton and Thomas John
• Arts – Dawn Clark (winner); LillieMai Radcliffe and Kali Flux
• Education – Yuliia Bedyk and Andrii Volkov (joint winners); Courtney Waugh and Leo Credland
• Making a Difference in the Community – Off The Streets Youth Forum (winner); Megan Mathias, Kyra Mottram, Lexi Jenkins and Pembrokeshire Youth Assembly
• Most Inspiring Story – Kai Williams (winner); Carly Sharif, Caitlin Griffith and Berat Sahin
• Music – Dylan Harwood (winner); Toby Draper and the cast of Bugsy Malone 2025 – Ysgol Harri Tudur
• Sports – Samantha Barton (winner); Mary Falconer, Alannah Field and Destiny John
• Voice – Young Voices for Choices Youth Forum
• Young Leader/Peer Mentor – Caiden Meacham (winner); Amélie Houghton and Brooke Jenkins-McNamara

Overall Spotlight Award

The top honour went to the We Know Our Journey Youth Project, a collaboration between the You Should Know Girls Project and His Path His Journey Boys Project.

The group was recognised for promoting inclusion, challenging harmful attitudes and encouraging open conversations around violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and men’s mental health.

Members organised the countywide “Men Make It Safe” event and raised £1,600 for local mental health and domestic abuse charities through a sea swim and a 10k run involving 24 young participants.

Judges said the project demonstrated the powerful role young people can play in creating positive change.

Thanks and support

Organisers thanked presenters, nominators, performers and supporters, along with staff at Pembrokeshire College and event leads Nadine Farmer, Bethany Roberts, Nicky Edwards and Angie Moore. Businesses including National Grid, Princes Gate, Tan y Castell, Greggs and The Vine also backed the evening.

More information is available via the Children and Young People’s Rights Office social media pages.

Appeal withdrawn at Swansea Crown Court after judge hears medical evidence

A MAN has withdrawn his appeal against the revocation of his shotgun licence after a judge heard medical evidence raising concerns about public safety.

The case was heard at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Feb 13) before His Honour Judge Huw Rees, Recorder of the Crown Court, where Luke Randall-Smith challenged the decision to revoke his shotgun certificate, which covered five firearms.

However, following discussions during the hearing, the appeal was formally withdrawn, leaving the revocation in place.

The court heard that police concerns were first raised after a mental health incident in May 2024.

Firearms licensing officers later contacted his GP for updated medical information.

Reports indicated that Randall-Smith had experienced obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious farm accident in which he discovered a colleague who had fallen from a height.

Symptoms were said to include intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Historical records also referred to a previous episode in 2008 when his OCD allegedly contributed to what was described as “significant violence” during an unprovoked incident at licensed premises. He also held a police caution for affray.

Firearms Licensing Manager Mr Phillips told the court he decided to revoke the certificate after concluding Randall-Smith was no longer fit to possess weapons.

The revocation notice stated that allowing him access to shotguns could present a risk to both himself and others.

Representing himself, Randall-Smith accepted he suffered from mental health conditions but disputed aspects of the assessment and the timeline of events.

At one stage he told the court: “I’m a really nice guy… I’m a good father.”

Judge Rees replied: “Yes, but you’ve been ill.”

He said intrusive thoughts he had described were fears rather than intentions and were symptoms of illness rather than actions.

The judge made clear the decision rested on medical evidence and public safety rather than character alone.

Randall-Smith said the firearms were of sentimental value and hoped to transfer them to another certificate holder.

After being advised the court could proceed to a full hearing or allow the appeal to be withdrawn, he chose to withdraw. The application was granted.

The revocation of the shotgun certificate therefore remains in force.

Firearms officers, dog units and roadblocks deployed on Gordon Street as Dyfed-Powys Police investigate

ARMED officers sealed off part of Pembroke Dock this afternoon (Friday, Feb 13) after a large-scale police operation in Gordon Street.

Heavily equipped firearms officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were seen wearing helmets and body armour and carrying carbines and ballistic shields as they surrounded a terraced property.

Multiple marked vehicles blocked both ends of the road while specialist teams moved in on foot. Two police dog units were also deployed to search the area.

Photographs from the scene show officers establishing a cordon with police tape across the street and positioning themselves at the doorway of a flat.

The Herald understands that at least one man was detained and led away in handcuffs. Witnesses reported several people being stopped during the operation.

One nearby resident said the response was swift and highly visible. “They blocked the street straight away. There were armed officers everywhere and dogs searching around,” they said.

Police have not yet confirmed the nature of the incident or how many arrests have been made.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for further information.

More to follow as we receive it.