Gorgeous gowns and sharp suits were out in force for the annual Neale Wade leavers prom.

Cambs Times: Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter.Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter. (Image: Archant)

Students in year 11 turned out in their finery arriving in cars including a mustang and limousines.

Cambs Times: Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter.Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter. (Image: Archant)

The leavers from the March college turned out in force watched by proud family members for the event which was held at Elme Hall Hotel in Wisbech.

Cambs Times: Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter.Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter. (Image: Archant)

The prom marks the big event of the year after months of hard work for their GCSEs.

Cambs Times: Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter.Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter. (Image: Archant)

Now it is a case of waiting for their exam results, which are expected in August.

Cambs Times: Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter.Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter. (Image: Archant)

Proms can be traced back to simple banquets that 19th century American universities held for graduating classes.

Cambs Times: Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter.Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter. (Image: Archant)

A growing teenage culture pushed for them at a younger age and by the 1950s, a thriving postwar economy saw more high schools hold them in venues other than in the school hall.

Cambs Times: Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter.Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter. (Image: Archant)

The first Neale Wade prom was in 1989.

Cambs Times: Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter.Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter. (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter.Neale Wade prom. PHOTO: Ian Carter. (Image: Archant)