Founder's Day, a significant day in Kelly College's calendar, began with a commemoration service at St Eustachius' Church, remembering school's founder Admiral Kelly.

The church was full with pupils, parents and staff celebrating the occasion.?The service was led by Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Nick McKinnel. Heads of school Jonty Newton and Ellen Riis-White took the readings with headmaster Dr Graham Hawley reading the commemoration.

The annual prize giving was held after the service at the college, with prizes presented by the Bishop, who has spent most of his life in Devon, including many in a rural part of Exeter Diocese and has been Rector of the Minister Church of St Andrew in Plymouth.

Many pupils received well-deserved recognition of their achievements across the school years.

Some of the senior prizes awarded include Louisa Butcher and Elizabeth Barnes — academic excellence; Matthew Courtis — physics, mathematics, chemistry and the Taylor Swimming Cup; Chantal Whitfield — French, chemistry and the Angus Colville Singer of the Year award; Rebekah Hainsworth — Spotlight Drama Award; Stephanie Hole — Combined Cadet Force; Will Stewart and Leon Cording — outdoor education, and Lauren Dawe — for service to the community.

The culmination of the day was the Fairy Tale Ball, organised by the Friends of Kelly. Well over 300 guests enjoyed a champagne reception, buffet, dodgems, dancing to local band Souled Out and DJC Disco — the evening went out with a bang with a spectacular firework display.

As well as being an enjoyable evening and an emotional goodbye for the sixth form leavers, the event also raised money for Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team. Thanks were expressed to the Bedford and Two Bridges Hotels, Charles Steevenson Wines and the Royal Oak, Meavy, for supporting the event.