A SCHOOL has received a national award for the quality of its sports education.

Teesdale Comprehensive School, in Barnard Castle, has been awarded a Sportsmark by Sports England in recognition of the excellence of the opportunities for sport given to students in lessons and after-school clubs.

The school has been working towards the award for the past two years, by building links with local sports clubs, including the tennis and hockey clubs, and providing a range of after-hours activities.

Headteacher Paul Harrison and head of PE Jean Southren, and GCSE PE students Iona Carmichael and Naomi Philbrick, attended a presentation ceremony at Kingston Park, the home of Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club.

The school was presented with the award by Commonwealth 400 metre silver medallist Alison Curbishley.

Ms Southren said: "It has taken us a couple of years, and we are really pleased to have got the award. It reflects the hard work the staff and students are putting into sport at Teesdale school.