THEY were dancing on the tables at the black tie bash held to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Southamp-ton's oldest school - King Edward VI.

More than 600 old boys and friends of the school gathered at the Hill Lane site to mark the gala event in style.

The school was founded by the boy-king Edward VI on June 4, 1553, just a month before his untimely death from tuberculosis.

At what was the largest party to be held in the school's impressive 450-year history, guests dined in an elegant marquee in the grounds before sitting back to enjoy cabaret from Stars In Your Eyes Diana Ross tribute Diane Shaw.

Diane, known to millions for her appearance in the grand final of the TV talent show, worked her magic on the crowd, many of whom threw caution to the winds and clambered on the furniture to dance.

Later, guests took to the casino tables for games of poker and roulette with £100 vouchers, competing to see who could win the most Monopoly money and scoop a prize.

There was also music from the lively Chip Shop Boys.

Eileen Thompson, head of the PTA which organised the gala, said: "It has been a superb finale to an excellent year".

Headmaster Julian Thould said: "It was great fun and brought together old Edwardians from 18-80. This has been the largest event that we have ever organised. This, together with other money raised during the year should mean that overall we have raised £20,000 for charity."