Pembrokeshire's Assembly Members have learned about exciting plans to raise a unique Sunderland flying boat from the seabed and put it on display in Pembroke Dock.

Angela Burns and Paul Davies met Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust to hear about the only surviving Mark 1 Sunderland that sank in the Milford Haven waterway during a stormy night in 1940.

They were told about a survey of the Sunderland wreck site, which is in 65 feet of water between Pembroke Dock and Llanstadwell, and the support the project is already receiving.

Volunteers Allan Ross and Mike Hurley, who have spent hundreds of hours conserving and restoring the parts, showed the politicians items already recovered from the Sunderland, including components of a Pegasus engine.

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire AM Mrs Burns said: "The story of the Sunderland on the seabed is absolutely amazing. We spent a really fascinating morning with Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust and learned about the hard work they've put into preserving the flying boat and their plans for the future.

"They have got some ambitious plans for raising and exhibiting the boat which will celebrate the maritime military heritage of Pembroke Dock. I am now lobbying on their behalf to see if they've succeeded in winning European money to help pay for the project."

Paul Davies, AM for Preseli Pembrokeshire and Shadow Minister for culture, said:

"It is projects like this, coupled with the Second World War airfield at Carew, that will create a whole new genre of visitor attraction in Pembrokeshire. The Trust has my full support and I hope their plans become reality soon."

Sunderland Trustee Martin Cavaney added: "We were delighted to welcome our local AMs and to bring them up to date on the project which is creating great interest and support not only locally but much further afield."