YOUNGSTERS donned hats and gowns for a mock graduation from the Children’s University.

Those who had completed the curriculum were given certificates by the university’s chancellor Les Nicoll, a community safety support officer with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

Essex University played host to the ceremony, which was held at the Ivor Crewe Lecture Theatre on the Wivenhoe campus.

Almost 150 children graduated at the event.

See more pictures in today's Gazette.