Young academics in Sidmouth joined an age-old tradition as they threw up their mortar boards at their pre-school graduation on Tuesday.

The tots, aged three and four, claimed their diplomas and showed off their dancing skills to mark the end of their time at Apple Tree Pre-school.

Manager Kerin Hamill said: “They did really, really well.

“I’m absolutely going to miss them. They are the most wonderful, scrumptious group of children.”

The pre-school is based at Sidmouth Primary School’s Manstone site.