It wasn’t so many years ago that it was only university students who held the infamous Graduation Balls to celebrate years of hard work and success but now it appears it’s an attraction which every senior school and college wants to be part of.

In the coming week the Riviera International Centre at Torquay will be hosting some half a dozen summer balls to give students the chance to unwind before they head off for their summer vacation.

The first of these – the Torquay Boys Grammar School Trust Ball – attracted over  300 people including the students, parents and teachers who enjoyed four hours of fun.

Marketing manager Jenny Thompson explained: “The trend appears to be for all six formers in schools and colleges around South Devon to stage a leavers ball and we are delighted to be catering for six different events before the start of the summer break in July.”

Among the leavers ball being held at the Riviera International Centre are South Devon College, Westland’s School for both 6th Form and soon after Year 11 students, as well as Torquay Boys Grammar School Old Boys Reunion.

Our photo shows managing director Barry Cole along with conference and events co-ordinator Maria Sofiano welcoming Christine Weston to the Centre. Christine had been the main organiser of the Trust Ball.