UPPER sixth-formers at Sutton Valence School said goodbye to their friends and staff at a leavers' dinner at the school on Friday.

There were hugs and tears as many contemplated separation after two to seven years together, and longer still for those who attended the prep school.

At the dinner the leavers were each presented with certificates detailing their achievements while at the school.

Every tutor or boarding housemaster/mistress then gave a brief and often amusing resume about their pupils and they were all welcomed into the Old Suttonians Association.

In addition everyone also received a yearbook, compiled by the pupils, full of embarrassing photographs from babyhood upwards, and pupils and staff signed each others' books with witty comments.

Joe Davies, the headmaster, and Ted Stanley, the head of sixth form, gave the school's farewell.

Before the dinner the leavers and their parents and staff had met for a final service in the chapel led by the chaplain, the Rev Paul Kish.

Chris Parkinson, senior master and organiser, said: "Everyone is naturally very keen to leave school and move on, but when the moment comes they are very emotional and begin to realise how much they have enjoyed their friendships and much of their time at school. They have been a very good year and we will miss them."

* If you want to order any of the pictures taken at this event, call into the KM office at 6 & 7 Middle Row, Maidstone. Alternatively, photographs can be ordered by phoning 01622 794583.