THREE schools have been singled out for national achievement awards.

Shotton Hall School, in Peterlee, Seaham Deneside Infant School and Glendene School, in Easington, have each received the Arts Council England's Artsmark award.

The award recognises schools that demonstrate commitment to the arts and work with artists and arts organisations.

Applauding the success, Easington MP John Cummings said: "I am delighted that the Arts Council has recognised that a number of our schools in east Durham have developed a progressive and well-balanced arts education programme, which enables pupils to work effectively with local artists.

"There is a huge amount of arts activity going on in East Durham.

"For example, in Shotton Hall, there was a visit by artists from the English National Opera, who staged a joint production of Carmen with pupils.

"Other pupils have been working with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, which organised workshops in the school's new purpose-built dance studio."

Arts Council chairman Sir Christopher Frayling said: "Every young person should have a basic entitlement to participate in and experience the arts.

"The schools receiving the award display a commitment to providing young people with a range of arts activities that we believe all schools should strive for."