Oh what a night for leavers

8:56pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

A GROUP of friends made a really cool entrance at their school prom - by arriving in a vintage fire engine.

They turned up at Rivington Hall Barn in Rivington in style aboard the old appliance which pulled up amid the usual stretch limousines for Turton High School's Prom Night.

More than 200 leavers at the Bromley Cross school dressed to impress for the glittering evening to mark the end of their school careers. And all seemed determined to make an impression, especially those who arrived in the fire engine.

They included John Whip, aged 16. He said: "It cost £200 between eight of us but it was worth it. It was a unique way to arrive. It was amazing, with the music blaring as we arrived.

"The evening was special, it was a chance to remember your school life."

Many of the girls spent lots of time - and money - preparing for the prom, including spray tans, manicures and new hairdos.

Sophie Green, aged 16, spent £300.

She said: "The dress cost £185. Then I had nails and hair done together with a spray tan. An occasion like this is very important.

"This was our first proper formal occasion and was a celebration of all we have achieved during our school years. We have all worked hard this year and we deserve this. It was good to be able to celebrate it with the teachers." Head of the school, John Porteous said: "This occasion is a rite of passage for the schoolleavers.

"They are no longer children, but young adults.

"They looked wonderful. It is an event when they can celebrate their years at school and look to the future in whatever path they choose.

"We had a very special year group and this was the largest attendance we have had at such an event."

Olympic silver medal for Jason