THERE were mixed emotions at a Newton Aycliffe nursery when 36 youngsters moved on to pastures new.

Tissues were at the ready at the House of Eden Nursery graduation ceremony this month.

Dressed in their cap and gowns, each child stood on a small stage and told staff and parents what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Ambitions ranged from hairdressers, teachers and firemen, to princesses, the Hulk and a Power Ranger.

The Mayor of Great Ayciffe, Councillor Wendy Hillary, also attended the ceremony and presented a graduation certificate to each child.

Jan Hooper, manager of House of Eden Nursery, said it had been a proud but emotional day.

“It is always a very sad time of the year at the nursery and this year is no exception,” she said. “It is hard to say goodbye to the children.”

The evening ended with staff and children performing an energetic and entertaining dance routine to the popular song, The Witch Doctor.

The House of Eden Nursery is based at the Pioneering Care Centre on Carers Way.

Day care facilities are available for children aged from newborn babies to four-and-a-half years and before and after school care is offered.

The nursery also runs a holiday club for children up to the age of 12-years-old.

For more information about House of Eden Nursery contact 01325-329931 or email cobblers.hall@edennursery.co.uk