A 'DAY at the races' was the theme for Sixth form leavers' day at Skipton Girls High School.

Dressed in all their finery, the girls enjoyed breakfast, served by senior members of staff, before having a group photograph taken in the grounds of the school.

The girls were sent on their way with speeches from headteacher, Janet Plews, and the school's learning director, but highlight was an inspiring talk from Danielle Brown MBE.

Danielle, from Lothersdale, a double Paralympic gold medalist in archery and three time world champion, also won a gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where she was the first disabled athlete to represent England in an able-bodied discipline.

Danielle captivated the girls with practical strategies based on real life experiences to help them prepare for exams and other challenging life situations.

There were then tributes to staff and fellow students who had made special contributions to the sixth form.

The head girl and house captains' teams shared some special goodbye messages along with memories of their time at SGHS stretching as far back as 2009.

A school spokesman said: "It was a very special day filled with both sadness at saying goodbye and a happiness remembering the many good times at Skipton Girls’ High School - every year group is unique and special and this one was no exception."