FROM Broadway to gospel singing, Times Square to Harlem, students from Milford Haven enjoyed a jam-packed five-day tour of New York recently.

Twenty-seven sixth form pupils studying religious education and sociology were accompanied by three members of staff on the five-day visit.

The trip encompassed a variety of activities which allowed students to engage in a multi-faith city at every level.

Activities included a six-hour spiritual tour of Harlem and Spanish Harlem, starting with a guided tour of St. John the Divine - the biggest cathedral in the world.

Then it was off to a gospel workshop where Studneta recorded a gospel song, followed by a visit to the New York Islamic Centre - the only building to defy the city's grid system, to ensure it faces Mecca.

The students sampled Jewish delicacies and visited synagogues on the Lower East Side, and paid their respects at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.

There was also plenty of time to explore, taking in the musical Wicked on Broadway, ice skating in Central Park, a visit to Liberty and Ellis Island, and shopping at Macy's. 

The group also dropped in on former Milford Haven student Illtyd Barrett, at his Welsh restaurant the Sunken Hundred, in Brooklyn.

As a reminder of home they bought gifts including the Milford Mercury, a St Francis School tie and photographs.

Students sampled the Welsh-inspired menu and were treated to some Milfordian hospitality.

Teacher Rachel Mansell said: "All the students have commented on how much they enjoyed the trip, from spending time on Times Square to singing gospel, and are already asking to go back."

Part of their Religious Education and Sociology AS course, the trip allowed pupils to experience multiculturalism and multifaith groups living side by side, as well as prompting them to question the place religion has in society today.

It was made possible thanks to donations from the community, including £150 from Milford Haven Round Table.