Tuesday saw the official opening of the Encompass Shop and Community Hub in Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock.

Dozens of well-wishers turned out to help the club celebrate their new premises in the heart of the town.

County Councillor Alison Lee was asked to perform the opening ceremony and said: "I felt very honoured to be asked. Encompass are making an important contribution to our town. They are held in high regard in the town and the number of people who have come to wish them well is testament to that. They are always on the lookout for volunteers, and I think it would be a nice environment in which to help out for a few hours a week, knowing that you are contributing to local causes whilst making new friends."

Encompass started over five years ago with about seven people who wanted to meet as a friendship club and to help other people in our community. They used to meet in the Yo Yo Centre on Bush and Park Estate and later in St. John's Church Hall and then in the Charlton.

In 2010, they took a shop premises in St. Govan's Centre and when that was no longer available they met twice a week in Communities First - still providing training and still helping their local charities, mainly South Pembrokeshire and Withybush hospitals.

They have kept one eye on the future - going into Pembroke Dock Community School and helping with reading skills and handicrafts, particularly the story bags.

Headteacher Michele Thomas, who attended the opening, said: "Encompass are always very welcome in our school. The story bags they produced are of the highest quality and they help with literacy skills, which are important for all children."

This year, the group is gearing up for Pembroke Dock's bicentenary celebrations in 2014 with commemorative crafts. They are continuing their fundraising for local charities and they are embracing the future by selling products on line.

If any readers would like to volunteer for a couple of hours a week, please ring the chair, Yvonne Earl, on 01646 681299.