Over the past few weeks thousands of children across Suffolk have walked through the school gates for the first time.

In coming weeks they will be posing for first class photos to be published in our special supplement just as so many Suffolk children have over the years.

Bury Mercury: Hadleigh Primary School pupils smile for the cameraHadleigh Primary School pupils smile for the camera (Image: Archant)

Here we look back at the Class of 2002 - many of whom will have now graduated university and be working.

Bury Mercury: Rushmere Hall Primary School's first class in 2002Rushmere Hall Primary School's first class in 2002 (Image: Archant)

Pictures from our archive show dozens of beaming children line up with their classmates back in 2002 for the traditional photograph.

Bury Mercury: Youngsters pose for the picture at Sidegate Lane Primary School in IpswichYoungsters pose for the picture at Sidegate Lane Primary School in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

To celebrate the start of the academic year, we are preparing to launch our special souvenir editions containing first class pictures from Suffolk primaries next month.

Bury Mercury: Gusford Primary pupils pose with their classmatesGusford Primary pupils pose with their classmates (Image: Archant)

The yearly signature 'First Class' pullout will be available in the East Anglian Daily Times on Tuesday, October 19, with the Ipswich Star containing the feature the following day.

Bury Mercury: St Joseph's School's first class in 2002St Joseph's School's first class in 2002 (Image: Archant)

To order copies of our archive photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.