MINI graduates donned their gowns and mortars as they prepared to leave nursery and head off to primary school.

Youngsters who are leaving Lexden Lodge Kindergarten, based in Lexden Road, Colchester, took part in a traditional graduation ceremony during their last days at the pre-school.

Nursery manager Angela McQuitty said she was delighted with how the ceremony went and hoped it would be something the children always remembered.

She said: “It was a lovely day for them.

“We were lucky with the weather which wasn’t too hot but nice.

“All of the parents of those who are graduating are invited to come along.

“We want to make it a special day and one they will remember because it is the end of a really important time.

“They are heading off to more than a dozen schools so it can be emotional if they are separated from the others who they will have made strong bonds with.

“We invite representatives from primary schools to come and visit us to assess the children because often they behave different at home to when they are around their peers and a lot of schools do take that chance up.

“We have done this graduation for several years and it is always one of the highlights for us.”