Narberth - the Heart of Pembrokeshire in West Wales

University student Jade Maloney has teamed up with an aviation centre crew at Pembroke Dock to experience hands-on conservation work on a unique wartime survivor.

Jade - in her second year at Lincoln University studying conservation and restoration - joined the workshop team at the UK's only Flying Boat Centre, which is run by the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust.

In the workshop, parts of a Mark I Sunderland which sank off Pembroke Dock in 1940, are being worked on and conserved.

Nineteen-year-old Jade, who was brought up in Swansea, knows all about the Sunderland - one of only four left in the world - as her father, Martin, has dived on the aircraft.

"I have been interested in this project as long as I can remember," said Jade. "Dad first dived on the Sunderland when I was about six and through his interest I, too, have become involved and fascinated by the project. I hope very much that plans to recover the substantial remains of this aircraft are successful."

Jade was reunited with a mooring stanchion which her father retrieved from the wreck site and also brought with her several engine parts from the Sunderland which Martin had recovered several years ago.

Volunteer Workshop Supervisor Mike Hurley said: "We are delighted that Jade has been able to have practical experience with us on a project which is of special family interest to her. One of the engine parts she brought is a mystery to us but I am sure visitors to the centre will eventually tell us what it is."

* The Centre is in a former Royal Dockyard building owned and refurbished by Milford Haven Port Authority, which also hosts the project. Funding is from the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). This is administered locally by Pembrokeshire County Council.

All volunteer run, the Centre is open Tuesdays to Saturdays inclusive, 10 am to 4 pm, throughout the winter.