A SCHOOL community has rallied around to prove that you can savour the glamour of an end-of-school prom without necessarily breaking the bank.

Teachers and students at Blackburn Central High School (BCHS) were able to arrange tuxedos and ball-gowns for their leaving bash at a fraction of traditional prices with the support of local businesses.

Tickets for most leavers’ dos, according to sources, will not leave you with much change from £40 – but Blackburn Central’s party at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel saw admission pegged at a tenner.

Headteacher Diane Atkinson said: “It has been very rewarding to see the Year 11s develop. The prom marked the end of this journey and I wanted every child to be able to participate in this celebration.

“I would like to thank all the local businesses and organisations who have supported us in making our prom such a huge success.”

Gary Chinery, Head of Year 11, was involved, alongside colleagues, in securing the suits and dress, limos, photographer and three-course dinner which made the prom sparkle.

Some pupils even arrived in a beautifully decorated Pakistani-style bus.

The year brought a spectacular close, with head boy and head girl, Moaaz Sidat and Harfah Chaudhri, rounding off their year in style, joining prom king and prom queen, Yasin Latif and Levi Markland.

In one of the leavers’ speeches, student Aasiyah Kazi paid tribute to the efforts of teachers, both for their day-to-day contributions and for arranging the prom.

She said: “This is really special because we have only had to pay £10 per person, whereas schools around us are paying at least £35.

“Blackburn Central has fabulously close links with the local community and we have been inundated with support from local businesses and organisation to ensure that the cost incurred by students is minimal.”

Ibrahim Nadat added: “I have loved every second of my time at BCHS. I have learned heaps and made loads of friends. If I could turn the clock back I would love to be a Year Six student again.”