IT’S become a signal that spring has arrived for pupils, staff and parents at Hexham’s Sele First School.

The annual Easter bonnet parade is always a site to behold and, as 350 youngsters paraded through the grounds of Hexham Abbey and around the bandstand on Thursday, it also signaled the end of the school term.

“It’s just a lovely celebration,” said headteacher Maggie Anderson.

“The children design and make their bonnets at home and understand that it’s about marking Easter in a traditional way.

“Some designs are very elaborate and stand out from the crowd and others are very simple, but effective.

“Staff also get involved and everyone really embraces it.”

Parents, grandparents and carers turned out for the spectacle and were welcomed back to the school by an Easter coffee morning organised by the PTA, where decorated eggs were the main attraction.

Dozens of entries from pupils were admired by the visitors before town mayor, Coun. Trevor Cessford, declared the winners from each class.