PUPILS and staff at a Wear Valley primary school are celebrating receiving a national award which recognises its commitment to the arts.

Escomb Primary School, near Bishop Auckland, received the Arts Council of England's Artsmark award at a ceremony at Bowes Museum, near Barnard Castle, earlier this month.

Headteacher Keith Taylor said: " It recognises the efforts of the staff to integrate the arts into the usual curriculum.

"We often invite guest musicians, artists and dancers into school to introduce the children to new activities and culture. The arts are important to young people to encourage them to use their imagination and creativity and they offer pupils a chance to shine to those pupils who may not always by high achievers academically."