A DARWEN firm hopes students all over the country will wear celebratory ‘hoodies’ on the last day of school instead of traditional uniform.

Schoolwear provider Metex took up the idea after being asked to create the hooded tops by bosses at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy.

As a result, the Moor Lane company, which traditionally creates school aprons and tabards, has now ventured into the ‘last day of school’ mementoes to dispel the myths surrounding hoodies, as well as encouraging pupils to be proud of their schools.

The company is in talks with schools including St Wilfrid’s C of E High School Technology College, Blackburn, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy and Darwen Vale High and is encouraging more schools to get on board.

Managing director Glenn Kitchen hoped the hoodies would follow the American-style prom nights which are now held in most schools across Lancashire.

The leavers’ hoodies are ordered by the school for parents to buy and can contain the school logo with ‘class of 2010’ inscribed as well as the names of every child in the year group. They can also write messages on some hoodies.

Mr Kitchen, 45, said: “It give them a memory of the last day of school. It’s something different wearing a hoddie on the last day.

“Hoodies have got a bad name. This is a chance to change the image and give them a good name.

“Instead of signing shirts they can also sign the hoodies with a special pen.”

“It is a long-lasting souvenir and maybe if there is a school reunion they could all come in their hoodies.”

A spokeswoman from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy said: “Academy students look forward to celebrating their first eleven years in education with a prom and commemorative items.

"We have not placed an order for any items with Metex.”