THIRTY-ONE Year 6 pupils have released a flock of doves to mark the end of their primary school journey as they move onto the next chapter in their lives.

Pupils at St Bernadette’s Catholic Nursery and Primary School, in London Road, Brighton, were treated to the special occasion yesterday to forever remember their early school years.

The students watched the doves soar through the sky, feeling a sense of joy and anticipation for an exciting future.

Pupil Imogen Harding said: “I look forward to going to secondary school.

“There’s more clubs there, and it’s bigger. I enjoy studying art, music, design and technology, and PE.

“I was a bit worried when I was holding the dove. I thought it would fly off before I released it.

“I think this was a really nice thing parents organised for us.”

Another pupil, Sylvie Thackeray, said: “I enjoyed holding the doves. I was scared I would let it go so I kept stroking it to calm it down. I am excited, but also a little nervous about going to secondary school.”

Parent Claire Harding, 44, came up with the idea. She said: “We wanted the children to have a memorable experience. Doves have a powerful meaning behind them, it’s a symbol of moving onto a next phase in your life. Also, we want to be environmentally friendly. We used balloons in the past but balloons harm the environment. All of my children had a good time at the school.”

Viv Lambert, owner of Lambert’s White Doves Release Brighton, said: “Doves have been a symbol of peace, love and a new beginning for thousands of years. This is something really nice for the kids as they move on.”