MORTAR boards and gowns are all the rage at university graduation ceremonies.
But on Wednesday a group of 15 four-year-olds were determined to show they were not going to be outdone by their bigger student "brothers and sisters".
The children who attend the Norwood Grove Pre-school based in the White House off Gibson's Hill, Upper Norwood took part in their own graduation event as they prepared to move into big school in September.
The ceremony has become a tradition at the pre-school and principal, Joan Runcorn believes it is a fitting climax to the children's early years education.
Mrs Runcorn said: "Early years education is very important in helping children prepare for primary school.
"Here they get used to be away from their parents and learn how to share.
"We are helping them build up their confidence to enable them to move on to the next stage of their education."
Mrs Runcorn said: "We like to make the move with the graduation ceremony and the children love dressing up. It is very special for them."
