AN international hairdressing expert has praised the style of a Pembrokeshire school which has brought the salon closer to the classroom.

Haverfordwest's Sir Thomas Picton School offers a GCSE-equivalent course in Salon Services for pupils interested in following a career in hairdressing and beauty.

Students and staff were recently treated to a talk by world-renowned stylist Patrick Cameron who was impressed with their response.

"I got some great questions from a wonderful group of students, and I would like to think I was addressing at least one future industry leader," said Patrick.

He was in Pembrokeshire for a sell-out show of his styles at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel and to present awards for Haverfordwest-based HB Training Wales, which offers support and guidance to STP students following vocational courses.

The school visit was arranged by the company and Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet member for education, Clr. Huw George, who commented: "Vocational training is very important in this day and age, and we support our schools in their efforts to help all pupils achieve their aspirations."

STP headteacher Joan Bessant described Patrick's talk as 'truly inspirational'.

She added: "It also highlighted the importance of including the vocational pathways into our GCSE curriculum."