THEY left school decades ago...but that has not deterred Colchester old boys and girls from staging a (very) senior prom.

Ex-pupils of Sir Charles Lucas Arts College and the town’s former East Ward and Endsleigh schools will head to the May 30 bash at nightclub Karma.

Organiser Chrissie Peacock said she and her former classmates, in their 40s and 50s, were keen to make up for lost time by putting on their gladrags for the charity fundraiser.

US-style proms are now a summertime staple, with mums and dads digging deep to make sure their offspring arrive in style.

But back in the Eighties, fifth formers were content to mark their departure in a modest fashion. But now the party-goers decided it is time they had some fun themselves.

Mrs Peacock, who works at car dealership Roy Tolley, in Gosbecks Road, said: “It should be a great evening, and it will hopefully raise a lot of money for charity as well.”

Tickets to the ball at Karma, in St Helen’s Lane, cost £5 and must be bought in advance. All proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Call Chrissie on 01206 547323, or e-mail accts@roytolley.co.uk