THERE were tears of happiness as Winchester children said their final goodbyes ahead of starting school in September.

Littleton Pre-School, based at Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall near Winchester, held a leavers assembly on Wednesday (July 23) with a special Gruffalo themed performance.

Some children wore their new school uniforms, and the leavers received mugs, a book of their work and a bag of sweets.

Jenny Joslin, a parent who helps run the nursery, said: “There were quite a few parents with tears in their eyes – it’s a big thing to go up to big school. It’s a really nice nursery setting and I think the children will be quite upset to leave.”