LAVISH dresses and smart suits were the order of the day for sixth form students at Malmesbury School last month as they dresses to impress for their leaver's ball.

Hundreds of students arrived in style at Cricklade House on Friday, June 30 in what was a night to remember for both the students and staff alike as they got together one last time before parting their ways and continuing on their journey to university or work.

Andy Backwell, head of Sixth Form, said: “It was a fantastic event and I think all of the students enjoyed themselves. Personally it was tinged with sadness since this is a year group that I have known since they were in Year 8 and in some cases I have taught them all the way into the sixth form. They are a fantastic year group who have worked hard all year and will be greatly missed."

Despite an enjoyable night, some parents were left dismayed when the coach service hired by some of the students to take them into Bristol was late - despite being paid up front.

Robert Johnson, whose son Oliver attended the prom, said: "I was away but a group of students had hired a bus from Coach Hire and paid £500 upfront but on the morning they said they wanted an extra £45 as they would be driving past midnight which the group paid up. But when they wanted to go the bus driver said he would be another hour and a half before he could get to them, which was too late as all the bars in Bristol would be closed.

"So far the group haven't received a refund and it is not really clear where they are based but some parents have managed to email them."

Malmesbury School confirmed they will not be investigating the incident as it was a private arrangement made outside the prom committee. Coach Hire did not respond to requests from the Gazette for a comment.