THE Arts Council of England has recognised the standards of arts education at Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School.

It was one of 240 schools to achieve a gold award in the second round of the council's Artsmark scheme.

The award recognises schools'commitment to providing opportunities across all the arts from drama to music, design to literature, dance to sculpture.

It also encourages schools to work with artists and arts organisations.

Headteacher Michael Harris said he was delighted that the council had recognised Middleton's arts education programme, and said a wide range of activities took place in the school, with the children working with a dance teacher and a local writer.

He said: "We try to cover the four areas of the arts: visual, music, dance and drama and are currently bidding for drama tuition."