Pupils from a South Pembrokeshire School took part in an historic visit last week (writes Jacob Williams).

The pupils attended the 'The Big Assembly' with Pope Benedict XVI in London on Friday.

And the school was honoured when one of the pupils, James Crowney-Richards, presented a gift to the Pope on behalf of Welsh schoolchildren.

During the event, which was held at St. Mary's University College, the Pope received a trio of gifts from the schoolchildren of England, Scotland and Wales.

Fourteen Year 6 pupils from St. Teilo's School travelled by minibus to Twickenham to be part of the ceremony, and stayed overnight in the student accommodation.

James, who is the eldest pupil at St. Teilo's School, is an altar server and reader at St. Brides Church in Saundersfoot and he also plays the clarinet during the monthly school masses in St. Teilo's, Tenby.

His teacher, Angela Nicholls, said: "Even though James is a very confident pupil, he seemed nervous on the journey to Twickenham."

Whilst they were awaiting the Pope's arrival, which was an hour behind schedule, the pupils in the crowd passed time by waving their Papal flags, singing and taking part in a Mexican wave started by Blue Peter presenter and master of ceremonies, Andy Akinwolere.

James presented the Pope with a copy of 'The Catholic Martyrs of Wales', a book by Thomas Ellis which recounts the stories of men and women who died for the Catholic faith in Wales.

After he handed over the book, James said: "The Pope shook my hand and then put his hand on my face and said: 'Thank you and God Bless you'."

Staff and pupils at the school would like to thank Father McGreal and the parishoners of St. Teilo's Catholic Church for their donation towards the cost of the trip, St. Mary's Church, Tenby, for the loan of their minibus, the parents and friends of St. Teilo's for the very successful cake stall, Mike Smith and Paula Belli for driving the children to Twickenham, and the staff at St. Mary's who were very helpful arranging the visit and looking after them.