Picture special: Parents' pride as kids go back to school in Sunderland
![Back to school. Ellie Ward going into nursery and Amelia Ward going into Year 2 at Redby Primary School. Picture: Natalie Ward.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/legacy_ash_102474374.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Back to school. Ellie Ward going into nursery and Amelia Ward going into Year 2 at Redby Primary School. Picture: Natalie Ward.](/img/placeholder.png)
The launch of the new school year has marked the start of an exciting adventure for thousands of children on Wearside.
Whether starting school for the first time, moving up a year, or starting their secondary education, the first day at school is a big day for all the family.
We asked you to send us pictures of your youngsters on their first day and - once again - you came up trumps.
Flick through our picture gallery above for some of your pictures and see if you can spot your little ones making the whole family proud.