Young people from Pembroke's Tanyard Youth Project have started the New Year as they mean to go on... by taking on a challenge in outdoor adventure.

The Tanyard is a drop-in centre for 10 to 18-year-olds in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock and the project won £2,500 of funding from the North Face Explore Fund before Christmas.

The cash will fund the Pathfinder project, which sees members of the Tanyard attempting to complete the entire length of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail this year - by walking, running and cycling on it or by coasteering or kayaking in the waters alongside it.

John Heffernan, project manager of the Tanyard Youth Project, said: "Our young people have great potential and will enjoy exploring a beautiful place right on their doorstep, they'll learn more about the wildlife, geology and environmental issues in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

"For some of the young people it will contribute to their Duke of Edinburgh Award and all of them will have positive new experiences that will increase their confidence and sense of ownership of the National Park. We are hoping that other organisations may see fit to lend us their support in what is, after all, a huge challenge."

The 186-mile Coast Path is managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (with funding from CCW) and Tanyard's young people have already been busy exploring sections of it with National Park Discovery Ranger Tom Moses.

Tom joined the intrepid team as they set out on the official launch of their adventure on January 7, when they walked and ran a section of Coast Path around Giltar Point, Tenby. The young people thoroughly enjoyed their day, walking about five miles, flying a kite for the first time and finishing with a much deserved fish and chip supper in Tenby.

Tom said: "This is no mean feat. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is 186 miles long and I'm impressed by the spirit and determination of the Tanyard young people in taking on this challenge.

"The Tanyard has really made the most of the National Park over the past few years, with the young people discovering and exploring it as part of the Park Authority's Go4It! programme.

"I hope their enthusiasm will encourage others to get out and get active in the National Park, as it can provide real rewards for everyone, in terms of health and well-being as well as challenge and adventure. We wish the Tanyard every success, and would be delighted to hear from and support other groups who are looking to benefit in the same way."

The Tanyard Youth Project is a registered charity and can be contacted on 01646 680068. The North Face Explore Fund works with not-for-profit organisations to reconnect children with nature.