Times of Malta presents a selection of its photographers' choice of their best photos over the past few days.

A worrying new trend was highlighted by a number of experts invited to a conference organised by the Swieqi Local Council entitled ‘Can drugs lead to poverty at Verdala Palace on Buskett on February 6. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA worrying new trend was highlighted by a number of experts invited to a conference organised by the Swieqi Local Council entitled ‘Can drugs lead to poverty at Verdala Palace on Buskett on February 6. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Reflected in a mirror at Verdala Palace in Buskett, experts participate in a conference organised by the Swieqi Local Council entitled ‘Can drugs lead to poverty’ on February 6. Photo: Matthew MirabelliReflected in a mirror at Verdala Palace in Buskett, experts participate in a conference organised by the Swieqi Local Council entitled ‘Can drugs lead to poverty’ on February 6. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Looking down on anyone who dares to approach Verdala Palace, a resident cat stands guard... while secretly basking under the sun’s warm rays. Photo: Matthew MirabelliLooking down on anyone who dares to approach Verdala Palace, a resident cat stands guard... while secretly basking under the sun’s warm rays. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A resident cat enjoys the warmth of the sun on the steps Verdala Palace in Buskett on February 6. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA resident cat enjoys the warmth of the sun on the steps Verdala Palace in Buskett on February 6. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A hanger scene including two Me-163 rocket planes at the model kit show organized at the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa on February 6. Photo: Chris Sant FournierA hanger scene including two Me-163 rocket planes at the model kit show organized at the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa on February 6. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Naxxar’s Albert Bruce (left) clashes with Zebbug’s Rashid Yussuff in the air during their Premier league match at Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun on February 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliNaxxar’s Albert Bruce (left) clashes with Zebbug’s Rashid Yussuff in the air during their Premier league match at Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun on February 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Naxxar’s Albert Bruce (left) clashes with Zebbug’s Rashid Yussuff in the air during their premier league match at Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun on February 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliNaxxar’s Albert Bruce (left) clashes with Zebbug’s Rashid Yussuff in the air during their premier league match at Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun on February 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Zebbug’s Rashid Yussuff (right) tries to get a shot past Naxxar Goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi during their premier league match at Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun on February 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliZebbug’s Rashid Yussuff (right) tries to get a shot past Naxxar Goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi during their premier league match at Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun on February 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Sliema’s Junior Obagbemiro performs a back flip after scoring a goal against Mosta at the Hibernians Stadium in Poala on February 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliSliema’s Junior Obagbemiro performs a back flip after scoring a goal against Mosta at the Hibernians Stadium in Poala on February 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Spreading panic... Sliema Wanderers striker Aidan Friggieri (centre) puts pressure on the Mosta defence, Friggieri scored the Wanderers’ equaliser in a 2-1 win on February 7. Photo: Matthew MirabelliSpreading panic... Sliema Wanderers striker Aidan Friggieri (centre) puts pressure on the Mosta defence, Friggieri scored the Wanderers’ equaliser in a 2-1 win on February 7. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil addresses a news conference in Ordnance Street, Valletta on February 8 during which he said that the controversial decision to locate Monti hawkers’ stalls at the Valletta entrance smacked of mediocrity. Photo: Jason BorgOpposition leader Simon Busuttil addresses a news conference in Ordnance Street, Valletta on February 8 during which he said that the controversial decision to locate Monti hawkers’ stalls at the Valletta entrance smacked of mediocrity. Photo: Jason Borg

Members of the Guangxi Acrobatics Troupe wait to perform in the opening ceremony of the 2015 Happy Chinese New Year festivities at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on February 8. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiMembers of the Guangxi Acrobatics Troupe wait to perform in the opening ceremony of the 2015 Happy Chinese New Year festivities at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on February 8. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Members of the Guangxi Acrobatics Troupe wait to perform in the opening ceremony of the 2015 Happy Chinese New Year festivities at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on February 8. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiMembers of the Guangxi Acrobatics Troupe wait to perform in the opening ceremony of the 2015 Happy Chinese New Year festivities at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on February 8. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Onlookers watch the Chinese New Year festivities from outside Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta as Chinese citizens welcome in the new year, the Year of the Goat, on February 8. Photo: Joanna DemarcoOnlookers watch the Chinese New Year festivities from outside Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta as Chinese citizens welcome in the new year, the Year of the Goat, on February 8. Photo: Joanna Demarco

Chinese girls of the Guangxi Acrobatics Troupe wait backstage prior to their dance performance during the opening ceremony of the 2015 Happy Chinese New Year festivities at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on February 8 Photo: Joanna DemarcoChinese girls of the Guangxi Acrobatics Troupe wait backstage prior to their dance performance during the opening ceremony of the 2015 Happy Chinese New Year festivities at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta on February 8 Photo: Joanna Demarco

Virtus player Mike Bruesewitz (centre) delivers a pass despite the close marking of Athleta players during their basketball match at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion on February 8. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiVirtus player Mike Bruesewitz (centre) delivers a pass despite the close marking of Athleta players during their basketball match at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion on February 8. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Bets are discussed, placed and marked following a race at the Marsa Horse Racing Track on February 8. Photo: Joanna DemarcoBets are discussed, placed and marked following a race at the Marsa Horse Racing Track on February 8. Photo: Joanna Demarco

Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi testifies on the oil procurement scandal before parliament’s Public Accounts Committee in Valletta on February 9. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiFormer Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi testifies on the oil procurement scandal before parliament’s Public Accounts Committee in Valletta on February 9. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

The Tower above Gnejna Bay on February 9. Photo: Chris Sant FournierThe Tower above Gnejna Bay on February 9. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Gnejna Bay on February 9. Photo: Chris Sant FournierGnejna Bay on February 9. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

The head of King Carnival stands on a trolley in a warehouse at Pinto Wharf, Marsa on February 10. Photo: Joanna DemarcoThe head of King Carnival stands on a trolley in a warehouse at Pinto Wharf, Marsa on February 10. Photo: Joanna Demarco

A plastic sheet covers the statue of an angel to protect it from the rain during the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA plastic sheet covers the statue of an angel to protect it from the rain during the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

People walk near a statue of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, during the feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiPeople walk near a statue of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, during the feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A man completes works on the ‘The Smurfs’ carnival float at Marsa Shipbuilding on February 10, in preparation for the annual Carnival Float Parade in Valletta. Photo: Joanna DemarcoA man completes works on the ‘The Smurfs’ carnival float at Marsa Shipbuilding on February 10, in preparation for the annual Carnival Float Parade in Valletta. Photo: Joanna Demarco

A woman walks past carnival floats at Marsa Shipbuilding on February 10. Photo: Joanna DemarcoA woman walks past carnival floats at Marsa Shipbuilding on February 10. Photo: Joanna Demarco

A child walks past a large Airbus airplane at Lufthansa Technik in Luqa, during an open day on February 10. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA child walks past a large Airbus airplane at Lufthansa Technik in Luqa, during an open day on February 10. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Final inspection works are carried out on the tail of a Lufthansa Airbus A340-600 at Lufthansa Technik in Luqa, during an open day on February 10. Photo: Matthew MirabelliFinal inspection works are carried out on the tail of a Lufthansa Airbus A340-600 at Lufthansa Technik in Luqa, during an open day on February 10. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (Malta Heritage Trust) historical re-enactors, in World War One-era Royal Malta Artillery uniforms, fire the cannons in a general salute to mark the feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck at the Upper Barrakka Saluting Battery in Valletta on February 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiFondazzjoni Wirt Artna (Malta Heritage Trust) historical re-enactors, in World War One-era Royal Malta Artillery uniforms, fire the cannons in a general salute to mark the feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck at the Upper Barrakka Saluting Battery in Valletta on February 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A cannon is fired by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (Malta Heritage Trust) in a general salute to mark the feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck at the Upper Barrakka Saluting Battery in Valletta on February 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA cannon is fired by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (Malta Heritage Trust) in a general salute to mark the feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck at the Upper Barrakka Saluting Battery in Valletta on February 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Tourists and locals watch as Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (Malta Heritage Trust) historical re-enactors in World War One-era Royal Malta Artillery uniforms fire the cannons in a general salute to mark the feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck, at the Upper Barrakka Saluting Battery in Valletta on February 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiTourists and locals watch as Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (Malta Heritage Trust) historical re-enactors in World War One-era Royal Malta Artillery uniforms fire the cannons in a general salute to mark the feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck, at the Upper Barrakka Saluting Battery in Valletta on February 10. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

An easyjet aircraft takes off from Malta International Airport on February 10. Photo: Matthew MirabelliAn easyjet aircraft takes off from Malta International Airport on February 10. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The War HQ tunnels, located under the Upper Barrakka and the Saluting Battery in Valletta, which have been left dilapidated for decades are opened to the public on the feast of St Paul on February 10, after the heritage foundation Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna are now in the final stages of bringing the place back to its former glory. Photo: Matthew MirabelliThe War HQ tunnels, located under the Upper Barrakka and the Saluting Battery in Valletta, which have been left dilapidated for decades are opened to the public on the feast of St Paul on February 10, after the heritage foundation Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna are now in the final stages of bringing the place back to its former glory. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The War HQ tunnels, located under the Upper Barrakka and the Saluting Battery in Valletta, which have been left dilapidated for decades are opened to on February 10. Photo: Matthew MirabelliThe War HQ tunnels, located under the Upper Barrakka and the Saluting Battery in Valletta, which have been left dilapidated for decades are opened to on February 10. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Once the most secret of places, the site that served as Malta’s nerve centre at the height of World War II was open to the public on February 10 as it undergoes a €1.7 million restoration. Photo: Matthew MirabelliOnce the most secret of places, the site that served as Malta’s nerve centre at the height of World War II was open to the public on February 10 as it undergoes a €1.7 million restoration. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Once the most secret of places, the site that served as Malta’s nerve centre at the height of World War II was open to the public on February 10 as it undergoes a €1.7 million restoration. Photo: Matthew MirabelliOnce the most secret of places, the site that served as Malta’s nerve centre at the height of World War II was open to the public on February 10 as it undergoes a €1.7 million restoration. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Re-enactors in period costume fire a cannon on the bastions in Valletta during an open day on February 10. Photo: Matthew MirabelliRe-enactors in period costume fire a cannon on the bastions in Valletta during an open day on February 10. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

People on a balcony throw confetti during a band march at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiPeople on a balcony throw confetti during a band march at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

People on a balcony throw confetti during a band march at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiPeople on a balcony throw confetti during a band march at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A man is lifted by colleagues during a band march at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA man is lifted by colleagues during a band march at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A woman on a balcony throws confetti during a band march at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA woman on a balcony throws confetti during a band march at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A woman on a balcony throws confetti during a band march at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA woman on a balcony throws confetti during a band march at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Statue-bearers wait to carry the statue of Saint Paul before a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, at Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiStatue-bearers wait to carry the statue of Saint Paul before a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, at Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Parishioners shout out words of praise to the statue of Saint Paul before a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, at Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiParishioners shout out words of praise to the statue of Saint Paul before a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, at Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Parishioners wearing sweatshirts with the words "Je Suis St Paul" (I am St Paul) take pictures before a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, at Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiParishioners wearing sweatshirts with the words "Je Suis St Paul" (I am St Paul) take pictures before a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, at Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Parishioners shout out words of praise to the statue of Saint Paul before a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, at Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiParishioners shout out words of praise to the statue of Saint Paul before a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, at Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A boy carries a small statue of Saint Paul during a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, outside Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA boy carries a small statue of Saint Paul during a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, outside Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A boy carries a small statue of Saint Paul during a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, outside Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA boy carries a small statue of Saint Paul during a procession at the feast marking the shipwreck of Saint Paul, Malta's patron saint, outside Saint Paul's Shipwreck Church in Valletta on February 10. The Maltese trace their conversion to Christianity to Saint Paul's three-month stay on the island after he was shipwrecked there in 60 A.D. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A working group from the University of Malta’s faculty of Education entertain children undergoing treatment at Mater Dei Hospital on February 11. Photo: Chris Sant FournierA working group from the University of Malta’s faculty of Education entertain children undergoing treatment at Mater Dei Hospital on February 11. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Part of a traditional boat reflected in the water at Marsaxlokk on February 12. Photo: Jason BorgPart of a traditional boat reflected in the water at Marsaxlokk on February 12. Photo: Jason Borg

Traditional colourful boats in Marsaxlokk Bay on February 12. Photo: Jason BorgTraditional colourful boats in Marsaxlokk Bay on February 12. Photo: Jason Borg

A couple admiring the picturesque view in Marsaxlokk on February 12. Photo: Jason BorgA couple admiring the picturesque view in Marsaxlokk on February 12. Photo: Jason Borg

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