Pembrokeshire Pride has made history with the appointment of the first Pride Community Engagement Officer.

Thanks to a grant from the Enhancing Pembrokeshire fund, Pembrokeshire Pride has been able to secure an engagement officer to work with the LGBTQ+ community in Pembrokeshire organising inclusive and diverse events and signposting and facilitating support and information services.

Lewis George is from Pembroke and began his new role on Monday right in time for Pride Month, which began on June 1. His appointment will last for a year.

Drew Baker, chair of Pembrokeshire Pride said: “We are so thrilled to have Lewis on board in what is a first for Pembrokeshire - and possibly for Wales.

“While Pembrokeshire Pride is very new - and relatively small compared with other similar organisations - we have lots of plans for developing inclusive services and with Lewis on board we can really start to make a difference to the lives of the thousands of people in the county who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies and supporters.”

Lewis has already started to firm up the plans for a big celebration of Pride in Pembrokeshire on July 15, with a family-friendly picnic event in Haverfordwest in the evening and a fun music-filled party for over-16s in Milford Haven in the evening. There’ll be more news on the detail coming soon.

When asked about his new role, Lewis said: “I am honoured and so excited to represent my county - Pembrokeshire, and more importantly, the people within it.

“I am lucky to have lived, at various times, in most areas of the county and have enjoyed my time experiencing the communities and values Pembrokeshire holds.

“I cannot wait to hear your ideas and help grow a supportive and interactive Pride that serves and fights for inclusion and community for all in our county. I am looking forward to meeting you all and filled with Pride for the great journey ahead.”

For more information about the work of Pembrokeshire Pride and the celebrations on July 15, check out www.pembrokeshirepride.com or Pembrokeshire Pride’s social media platforms.