Brierton Community School in Hartlepool has received its second quality mark for sport.

The school has already held a Sportsmark, awarded by Sport England in recognition of secondary schools' out-of-hours sports provision and sports curriculum.

But the award lasts for only three years, after which schools must reapply.

They are assessed on areas including the work they undertake to develop sports partnerships within the community, the support they give to talented pupils and the opportunities they give students to develop their leadership skills through sport.

In October the school opened a £2.6m community sports centre, which includes a sports hall, fitness suite, floodlit netball and basketball courts and a creche.

It was built with money from Sport England, the Owton Rossmere Single Regeneration Budget Partnership, Hartlepool Borough Council and the school.

Headteacher Craig Weaver said: "Everyone has put a lot of hard work into gaining the Sportsmark for a second time.

"In sport, as in all the subjects taught at the school, we are totally committed to raising standards and strengthening the learning culture and community spirit of the school."