THE SUN came out on cue for the Richard Aldworth balloon launch to mark the graduation of this year's high-flying fifth formers on Wednesday.

The balloons, labelled with the pupils' names, were released at 2pm with the 15 and 16-year-olds cheering them on.

"The 150 brightly-coloured helium balloons took one-and-a-half hours to blow up," said IT technician Chris Paul, "but it was well worth the effort."

As the breeze took the balloons sailing off towards Basingstoke town and Bramley, the mood was upbeat.

"The presentation of computer-generated photograghs of school leavers dressed as characters like Lion Tamers or Kings and Queens had been a lot of fun earlier in the afternoon," said teacher Margaret Robinson.

This light-hearted look at what the future might hold for Richard Aldworth leavers left pupils looking forward to their career plans and college courses in subjects including law, psychology and fashion design.

Hairdressing hopefuls Kayleigh Bicknell, Candice Brophy, Georgie Read and Jenna King are excited about starting their training: "We've already got our places at Arc and Julie Crue," said Jenna.