HUNDREDS of students said farewell to their schooldays with a glittering leavers' ball.

Sir John Colfox School in Bridport joined with Beaminster School for the bash at Kingston Maurward in Dorchester.

And more than 200 teenagers packed the country house to raise their glasses and look to the future.

Colfox headteacher Kay Taylor said: "The students in this year have been wonderful and particularly good at raising money for charities.

"They've always been very considerate people and they've done a lot for others and for their school, like doing reading projects for younger students or running rugby and cricket clubs.

"It's certainly a rite of passage for them and it's incredible to see students you've known for the last seven years, now all grown up and good citizens and good people.

"It's a really proud evening for all the staff."

  • See Tuesday's Echo for a picture special