A WEST Wales Explorer Scout group has been able to buy essential safety equipment, thanks to The Freemasons of West Wales.

Preseli Pioneers ES has 26 young members, aged 14-18, from Tenby, Blaunwaen, Carmarthen, Narberth, Meidrim and Clunderwen, having been formed in 2015, with just five teens.

The Explorers meet on Monday evenings between Narberth Bus Stop and Laugharne Scout Hut, which they are renovating after it has been disused for 12 years.

The site included a boathouse, canoes, kayaks, sailing boats and a safety boat. The explorers have worked very hard to clear and renovate the site with the aim to learn and participate in water activities.

Preseli Pioneer Explorer Scout Leader Kasey Rees said: “The Explorers have regularly fundraised in local events to raise the funds for the unit to fix and renovate the building, equipment and gain qualifications to use the site.

“The older Explorers have completed their RYA 2 Power boat course and VHF radio qualifications to ensure communications can be maintained between the safety, land and sailing teams.”

The £330 donation from the Freemasons of West Wales will enable the unit to purchase essential VHF radio equipment.

George Bancroft and Freemason Patrick presented the cheque to the Preseli Pioneer Explorers recently.

The Freemasons also made a donation to Hannah Bailey, one of three Explorers representing Wales in the USA-based World Scout Jamboree 2019.

Kasey said: “Preseli Pioneer Explorers are very grateful for the charitable donations as without them the Explorer Scouts could not consider using the water equipment this year.”