EXCITED four-year-olds donned caps and gowns ready for their first big move in education.

Long ago graduation was reserved for university; after studying for several years students walked proudly to collect their degree.

With their futures ahead of them and careers not entering their heads, youngsters at a nursery school celebrated their graduation with much less pressure.

Parents of the children who attend Abacus Children’s Day Nursery, in Dalston, had the chance to watch their offspring sing and stand tall in their caps and gowns.

With tears ready to overspill, families and friends watched as the youngsters walked into the hall in Thursby.

Flashing cameras and big smiles all round as parents snapped the happy moment. The special event witnessed the children take a big step from nursery to school and celebrate it with all their friends.

Leanne Perkins acting manager of Abacus Nursery, said: “We held a little party for the children first, then invited the parents back once the children have got into their caps and gowns.

“We have 40 children leaving this year so we wanted to give them a really good send-off.

“We have been holding graduations it since 2015 when we opened and a lot of other places do it.

“It gives the children a moment to remember. “

Kelly Nichol, from Beaumont, said: “It’s very exciting, the children have been practising their songs and they’re really looking forward to starting school. I think it is a big thing for them.

“Having graduation is a great idea, I think it gets them ready for school, they realise now they’re going to school and it’s something really important, it’s something to look forward too.”

Standing proud in her cap and gown was Emmy Carr, four. She said: “I’m going to be singing my graduation song. It is really fun. I can’t wait to throw my cap in the air.

“We had a really fun party with all my friends.”

Mia Dunn, four, said: “ I practised really hard to learn my songs, we’ve had fun.”