'REACH for the sky' - that was the message to pupils at Milford Haven School on Monday night, from former Wales international Ian Gough.

The 41-year-old, who made his name in rugby union, spoke to students at their annual certificate award ceremony.

Now working on a project to engage boys in education, and help them achieve better grades, Mr Gough said it was his losses, not just his successes, that helped shape him.

"What you do in those tough times, that's what defines you," he said.

"No matter what happens in life, the self-belief, support and nurturing you have experienced here is what will help you in whatever you choose to take on."

He added: "I've been blown away to hear all the pupils' achievements in so many fields.

"There is so much talent in this room."

Headteacher Beverley Davies said the evening was an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of pupils, and demonstrate their hard work and resilience.

"These young people have developed a skills base to see them through to the world of work," she said.

She praised the dedication of staff, and thanked parents and carers for their continued support.

Thanks were also given to those organisations who have worked closely with the school in the last year, including the Torch Theatre, Tesco, the Port of Milford Haven and the Darwin project.

Head boy Thomas Carew and head girl Izzy Coombe were also thanked for being "fantastic role models" for their peers and younger students.