POLICE officers helped children to mark the end of an era at their final party in a school building.

Middlesbrough's Holmwood School for special needs pupils hosted a celebration day before it closed to make way for a new site, at Tollesby.

As regular visitors to Holmwood, PCs Dave Peacock and Steve Hudson, Middlesbrough school liaison officers, were there to help mark the occasion.

PC Peacock said: "I have been coming to the school for ten years through the police and pupil good citizen scheme, and wanted to contribute to the day and make it one that the youngsters will remember."

Police dogs and horses were on parade at the party, along with a car and motorbike from the road policing unit.

On hand to add to the entertainment were Billy and Badgie, the Cleveland force mascots.

The school's headteacher John Appleyard said: "It will be a sad day leaving the premises because it holds so many good memories.

"We have made a lot of friends over the years and would like to thank everyone for their help and support," he said