Pupils, parents, teachers, governors and guests enjoyed the last annual celebration day at the school in Frodsham, Cheshire, before its move to Manchester in September.

Stalls sold a variety of goods and a tombola, raffle and chocolate fountain appealed to big and little kids alike.

The 19th-century campus created a summer fete atmosphere with cake served in the gardens while a guess the weight of the fruit competition and sponge throwing kept the little ones amused.

Home to 11 residential and six day students, Delamere staged a two-hour show and prizegiving presentation, 89 years to the day since the first meeting to found the school was held.

Headteacher Harvey Burman presented the school's only female pupil, Hannah Mendell, with the Robert Whiteson prize for her active contributions to Delamere.

And former student Stephen Gee presented Teddy Morris with the football trophy.

This year's leavers - music enthusiast Jack Meaney and Hannah Mendell - were presented with their progress achievement files, after spending seven years at the school.

"Jack, you are an excellent musician on both the drums and bass guitar," said Mr Burman, addressing the 250-strong crowd.

"And Hannah, you are an excellent student in Hebrew and have contributed to the Jewish life at Delamere Forest."

Chairman of governors David Clayton thanked the domestic, care and teaching staff who have been with the school for many years.

He said: "Working here is not just a 9-5 job - staff are dedicated and take issues home with them.

"This school hasn't just improved the children's lives but those of their families - thanks to the dedication of the staff who work here and the support of the community."

He added: "I cannot name and thank all the teachers personally as I wouldn't be able to do them justice."

Mr Clayton named Helen Hewitt as an integral part of the school's work with The Together Trust, who have enabled Delamere's move to a new campus in Walkden, north Manchester.

Pupils gave inspiring performances in a show about Delamere through the decades, staged by music teacher Darren Poyzer.

Yosef Simmonds-Rosten performed a suave Don McLean solo and Joshua Kershner lit up the stage with his rendition of an Elvis Presley classic.

Avi Denaro made an impression singing Bette Midler's The Rose as his on-stage debut and Jack Meaney's guitar solo impressed the audience.

Lively routines also came from Shaun Dagnall, Archie Green, Daniel Jones, Teddy Morris and James Sugarman as The Beatles.

Former governor and school social worker Sylvia Conway gave the final word - recalling memories of the school's founder and first headteacher, Margaret Langdon.

"I have such happy memories of Delamere," said Mrs Conway, who joined the school in 1948.

"Delamere was the first school to be assigned its own social worker and it had the first dyslexia unit.

"We pioneered a lot over the years - long may such work continue."