MORTAR boards flew in East Dorset this week as new graduates celebrated the end of the summer term.

But the tiny alumni dressed in red gowns weren’t students at the end of their time in education, but children who haven’t yet reached school age.

The first-ever graduation ceremony at Pamphill Pre-School was exclusively for youngsters set for primary and first schools in September.

Manager Debbie Gould said: “It was an absolutely fantastic event.

“We’ve had some lovely feedback from parents, and the kids really loved it. It’s the first time we’ve held a graduation for the pupils, but based on the reaction we got, we’d definitely do it again.”

Wimborne Mayor Councillor Andy Hampton even visited wearing his own ceremonial robes to enjoy the celebrations.

Debbie said: “The children are leaving us to go to big school in September.

“Some of them have been with us for two years, others for just one, but we wanted to do something special for them. It can be a big step for children to go from nursery to school, and we felt it was important to create a memorable time for them and their parents.”

The youngsters were allowed to keep the tassles on their hats to remember the day, as well as being awarded with a certificate marked with their names and the date.

They dressed in red as the logo for the pre-school is a ladybird.

“It was very cute,” said Debbie.

“We were really pleased to have the mayor along, and I think he enjoyed it as much as the children did. It was a wonderful occasion and it meant a lot to the parents, who were able to come along and leave with some very special memories.”