Big school beckons for the class of 2012 at an Iwade nursery.

Thirty-one four-year-olds from Ickle Pickles took part in a graduation-style ceremony at the village hall.

Wearing hats and gowns and watched by their parents, they were called up one-by-one to receive a certificate and presents, which included a reading book from manager Hannah Williams.

Senior nursery practitioner Grace Gibson said: “They’re all really excited about going to school and are always talking about it.

“When they leave it’s very, very sad because they’ve been here since baby room so we’ve watched them grow up.”

For more pictures, see this Wednesday's Sittingbourne News Extra.