CHILDREN at a Stockton primary school are celebrating after learning their dedication to sport has been rewarded with an award.

Harrow Gate Primary School is to receive the Activemark Gold from Sport England for its diverse physical education programme.

It is one of 11 schools in the North-East to receive the accolade and one of 104 across the country.

PE co-ordinator Paul Mobberley said: "The award has been good recognition for a lot of hard work by a lot of people and is something we must now ensure we maintain and improve on."

The school qualified for the award by demonstrating a balance in the emphasis it puts on a range of physical activities.

Children play football, netball, basketball and other outdoor sports and the school also has a number of after-school games clubs, including, athletics, cross country, rounders, dance and cricket.

In year six pupils have the chance to go on a residential week to try outdoor activities, such as orienteering, building shelters and team challenges.

Sport England chief executive Roger Draper said: "We are finding more and more of our young people are becoming overweight as a result of their diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

"We need to re-emphasise the benefits of sport and physical activity to children and young people through positive experiences at school."

"This school has been awarded Activemark for doing just that."