FASHION, nature, music and marine life are among the subjects explored in an exhibition of work by Milford Haven School students.

On Thursday, pupils unveiled their third annual art exhibition at the town hall.

It features photography, painting, sculpture and mixed-medium work by A and AS-level students, as well as GCSE and BTEC art pupils.

Opening the exhibition, Mayoress of Milford Haven Naomi Joseph spoke to students about the importance of expressing oneself through art.

“When I chose A-level art it was frowned upon as not an academic enough option,” said the mayoress.

“I was reminded of this over the last few weeks as I have been helping to organise donations for the refugees of the Syrian civil war.

“The war has been going on for more than five years, yet the public were only provoked into action when a photograph of a child's body, washed up onto a Turkish beach, appeared online.

“It wasn't a political speech that brought change or some academic research, it was a photograph.

“The well-known saying 'a picture is worth a thousand words' is so true.

“So whether you're a teacher, a governor or a student, don't let anyone tell you that your art is less important or in some way second rate to something more academic, because your art or photograph could change the world.”

Liz Devonald, head of art at Milford Haven School, said it had been a fantastic evening, and by curating the exhibition themselves it gave students an opportunity to explain their work to visitors.

The exhibition, which is again sponsored by Tesco Milford Haven, runs daily until Thursday, October 15, from 9am to 4.30pm.