Chevron has donated £25,000 to help continue the work of the Sunderland Trust. Founded five years ago with an initial donation of £25,000 that allowed the Trust to establish itself, the most recent donation will ensure that their work will continue. Some of the money has already been spent on a support boat. Wing Commander Derek Martin OBE, who is Patron of the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust, and who flew a Sunderland, attended the presentation.

The Sunderland Trust aims to raise the Sunderland flying boat, serial number T9044, which lies in 65 feet of water near Pembroke Dock, where it sank in a storm in November 1940. It is the sole surviving Mark I version of the plane, with the other three surviving specimens of the later Mark V versions. Its sinking 71 years ago was a blow to the RAF as at the time it was by far the largest aircraft in service.

The wreck is in good condition as it has been preserved by mud and sediment. One of its four Bristol Pegasus XXII radial engines has already been recovered for conservation and is on display with other parts, including the astrodome and cockpit controls, in the Flying Boat Visitor Centre, which opened in 2009.

The underwater site is protected by a 100-metre exclusion zone, which is monitored by Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust Dive Group, which comprises 12 keen divers.

Jane James, Pembroke's policy, government and public affairs manager, said: "Chevron has been delighted to support this incredibly important project. It tells a very special story about our local communities and for all who live and work here."

John Evans, the project manager at the Trust, said: "The tremendous support of Chevron has been vital to the rapid progress made by the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust and our plans to recover our unique Mark I Sunderland flying boat.

"We have already established a very popular visitor attraction which will develop significantly in the years ahead. Without the backing of Chevron from the very beginning we would not be where we are today."