Ilkley's student community will be in party mood tomorrow as hundreds gather at the Wells Road campus for the Final Fling.

Student Union sources say the town's bed and breakfast spots are filling up rapidly, with all the signs that students intend to make a 'weekend' of it.

Although disappointed with the response of the non-student Ilkley population to their departure, the students are determined to go out with a bang.

Student Union president Kerrie McLaughlin and her colleagues have spent several months making sure everything is ready for the big day.

Students from four decades of college life have been invited, with as many as 750 expected.

Kerrie and her colleagues are keen to stress this is not one last big student 'booze-up' - it is a family event, a celebration rather than a wake.

The event has a very musical flavour. The four decades of the college's history will be represented by four tribute bands and the headline act will be the Woolpackers, made famous by television soap Emmerdale.

There will also be a chance to look at a college history display, as well as a variety of old souvenirs.

Jugglers and face painting should appeal to the youngsters and there will be plenty of food and drink on offer.

Mark Oliver, Ilkley SU social secretary, said: "We have already sold 600 tickets. Hopefully the weather will be kind - I have heard its going to be red hot with occasional thunder.

"We just hope everyone enjoys themselves, in the right spirit, and that we go out with a 'friendly' bang."

Anyone requiring further information about the event, which starts at 2pm, should contact Ilkley College Student Union on (01943) 432048.

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