The end of exams means relief all round and the start of party time. Year 11 students at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls were determined to have the time of their lives at their gala ball, as Lyndsay Parry, 16, one of the organisers, reports...

AFTER months of hard work, Year 11 students from Maidstone Girls' Grammar School celebrated the end of their GCSEs. A major fund-raising event was organised in the form of a gala ball.

The Year 11 Prom took place on Friday evening in the Heart of Kent Suite at the Ramada Hotel and Resort in Hollingbourne. More than 230 students and their guests attended.

The young women were in an array of ball gowns and elegant dresses and the men cut a dashing image in tuxedos.The entertainment was provided by local DJ, Mark Pantony, who created a great atmosphere throughout the night.

The proceeds were donated to World Challenge, a charity with which the school participates in a bi-annual expedition to help children in less economically developed countries. More than £1,000 was donated from ticket sales and a successful raffle.

Raffle prizes were donated by David Lloyd Leisure, Hanrahans bar and restaurant, Odeon Limited and Maidstone Leisure Centre.

The large cheque was presented to students participating in this year's project, which involves a trip to Mongolia, in August, with the organisation.

The organising committee of Freya Alderson, Emma Corry, Lyndsay Parry and Emma Waterworth, were delighted with the success of the evening and the students' support which enabled them to donate such a sizeable contribution to their chosen charity.

One student remarked, "It was a magical evening, that will stay with me forever!"

* All the pictures taken by our photographer at the ball can be seen at www.kentonline.co.uk