Dressed in their caps and gowns, the pupils from Washington Day Nursery took part in their "graduation" ceremony before going on to "big" school.

Dianne Wilkinson, manager of the nursery, which is in the grounds of Blackfell Primary School, said leaving nursery and starting primary school is a huge step for children and parents.

She said the graduation ceremony started a few years ago and has proved popular.

This year there were 14 children "graduating" and, as well as the ceremony in their little gowns and caps, they also enjoyed a party tea and bouncy castle.

Dianne said: "The children loved it. They know they are going on to big school and it made them feel really grown up."

She said the day was also very emotional for the staff because they have been such a big part in the lives of the children.

Dianne said: "It is really a wrench for us as well when the children leave. Some of them have been with us since they were five months old, so it is hard to say goodbye."

The youngsters all had their photographs taken in their outfits and holding their certificates and the nursery plans to display them on the walls.