Around 145 students were photographed on the red carpet as they arrived at the Cedar Court Hotel at Ainley Top and they were treated to a fruit cocktail fountain.

The room was decorated in black, silver and gold. The Prom King, Oliver Town, and Prom Queen, Nicole Daylove, were crowned. Nicole had bought her dress and jewellery from America especially for the evening and Oliver was wearing a suit with a lily in the buttonhole.

Mrs Nicola Rawnsley organised the event with a group of staff and the prom committee made up of 12 students. Mrs Rawnsley said the event had been one of the best: “They all looked terrific and went to a lot of effort.

“It was one of the most successful events we have had. They all had a great time.”

She said the students held a dance-off, boys against girls, to a variety of tracks with the girls coming out on top.

A short speech was given by friends of Thomas Ogden in his memory. Thomas, aged 15, died from meningitis in February.

Pictures by Jim Fitton