AN MP has praised the work of a Redcar primary school that has been awarded the Primary Quality Mark.

Vera Baird, MP for Redcar, congratulated Wheatlands Primary School, in Hundale Crescent, for its success following an inspection by the Basic Skills Agency.

Mrs Baird said: "I think Wheatlands has done very well. This Quality Mark is an outstanding achievement.

"I have written to the headteacher to ask her to pass on my congratulations to everyone there. As their local MP, I am very proud of their achievement."

The school showed it had met ten criteria, including involving parents in developing their children's basic skills, having a school strategy, assessing and reviewing pupil performance, and having a target for improving performance.

Deputy headteacher Chris Moorfoot said: "We are ecstatic with the award. It meant a lot of hard work for all the staff, who pulled together brilliantly.

"It also reflects well on the pupils, right the way from nursery to year six."