Monkton residents enjoyed a successful jobs, training and volunteering fair at the Old Priory Inn last week.

Organised by the jobs and business action group of Monkton Communities First, the Spring into Spring event brought together over 20 organisations to offer advice and information, with many residents signing up for a wide range of free training and volunteering opportunities and support into work.

Free manicures by the Nail Training Academy, and interview clothing from PATCH, helped to boost appearance and confidence for job interviews, whilst the free refreshments provided by BTCV were much appreciated!

The event also celebrated the official opening of the newly-refurbished Old Priory Inn, performed by Clr. William Rees, the popular former head of Monkton Priory School, who seemed to know everyone who attended! He warmly praised Maggie Hart and Michelle Ferrier for their dedicated volunteering, which had brought the project to fruition.

The most recent refurbishment phase of the Old Priory Inn has involved new flooring in the café and meeting room. This has been made possible following funding from Milford Haven Port Authority.

New furniture in the café has also been purchased following successful application to the Communities First Trust Fund.

The Old Priory now offers a range of community provisions, including a café, youth club, dance classes and public-use computers.

Support is also available there on a Tuesday morning from Want to Work, Springboard to Work, PATCH and CAB debt counselling.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Mayor of Pembroke, Clr. Mel Phillips, local town councillor Wyn Jenkins and Sara Andrew representing Milford Haven Port Authority.

Warm thanks are extended to the following organisations who gave their support to the event: Want to Work, Workways, Monkton C1st, BTCV, Green Links, Springboard Training, PATCH, 14A (Nail training), Pembroke Cooperative store, Careers Wales West, Experience Counts, DFES, Pembroke 21C, Age Concern, Learning Pembrokeshire, PCC Youth Enterprise, Pembrokeshire College Engagement Gateway, PAVS, St. John's Volunteering Project.