Parents of pupils at a Highgate nursery donned tuxedos and glittering gowns to celebrate a milestone in the school’s history.

Highgate Avenue Nursery, in Highgate Avenue, welcomed about 100 mums, dads and teachers to its black-tie ball on Friday to mark 25 years since the school moved into its first permanent premises.

Only grown-ups were allowed on the night as guests enjoyed champagne, canapes, a three-course meal, live music and plenty of dancing.

Founder Mary Fysh started the nursery in her Highgate Avenue home 37 years ago before moving it to new premises along the road in 1989.

She said: “I started it for my children, but then it just grew. I didn’t mean to go back into teaching, but the nursery seemed to be what parents wanted.”