IT was sweet 16 for a school headgirl last night when she celebrated her birthday by being crowned prom queen.

Hayley Moohan was among four teenagers crowned at Hurworth School’s end-of-year leavers’ prom.

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The event, held at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, was attended by 100 year 11 pupils celebrating their GCSE exams, as well as 70 staff.

The guests arrived after 6pm in a variety of limousines wearing black tie, dinner suits and ball gowns.

They were treated to a two-course hot buffet, a disco and entertainment.

Outgoing headgirl Hayley and footballer Jack Howden, 16, were prom queen and king. Prince and princess were David Graham, 16, and Kate McLoughlin, 15.

Staff had also voted for a number of pupils to receive special awards based on the Mr Men and Little Miss characters.

Photographs were taken of the teenagers arriving with a CD-Rom given to all the guests and pictures shown at the venue.

A film was also screened, showing all the school leavers and a Take That song performed by staff.

Head of year 11, Claire Suddes, who is on maternity leave after the birth of her daughter in December, returned to present the awards.

In her absence, the event was organised by year ten head Jan Dale, who said: “The kids usually start looking forward to this from year nine. They have been really looking forward to the night. They absolutely adore it.

“We have had two fluffy crowns for the prince and princess. And we have been doing Mr Men and Little Miss certificates nominated by the staff. There are about 12 kids who have got a certificate for those with a quirky character.”