AFTER many months of planning and anticipation, Pembroke Dock's bicentenary celebrations got underway on New Year's Day.

Festivities to mark the town’s 200th birthday started with a brunch at Pater Hall, Dimond Street, cooked by Pembroke Dock WI members.

The town’s mayor Councillor Jane Phillips and Pembroke mayor and mayoress, Councillor Keith and Mrs Karen Nicholas were among more than 60 people who enjoyed a wonderful breakfast.

Later that evening a service of celebration, Pembroke Dock 200 Years, was held at Bethany Chapel - the oldest religious building in the town, built in 1818.

The celebration was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed Robin Lewis and his wife, Pembrokeshire County Council chairman Cllr Arwyn Williams, Pembroke Dock mayor Cllr Jane Phillips, Pembroke mayor and mayoress Cllr Keith and Mrs Karen Nicholas, representatives of local clubs and organisations, and members of the public.

The service was led by Rev Roger Hart and Cllr Phillips welcomed the congregation.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Pam George, Commander Tony Mason, bicentenary coordinator Martin Cavaney, Rev Michael Brotherton, author and historian John Evans, Vanessa Owen and Cllr Aden Brinn shared readings on the town's past and looked forward to its future.

Music was provided by the Pembroke Borough Silver Band and organist Brian Lavender.

"Our New Year's Day events were a great start to our year of celebrations,” said Martin. “We look forward to many more during the year and to the whole community being a part of it."