SCHOOLS throughout the North-East are celebrating being recognised as some of the best in the country for sports and PE.

Nineteen schools in the region have been presented with a Sport England Sportsmark or Sportsmark Gold Award.

The awards recognise excellence in sports provision.

To gain a Sportsmark Award, schools must offer a range of activities and persuade 30 per cent of every year group to be involved in sport after school.

A school must also have good links with sports clubs and take part in competitions, and all PE teachers must have formal qualifications.

Sportsmark Gold Awards are given to those who achieve even more for their pupils.

Among the 46 national winners of Gold Awards were Greencroft School in Durham, Benfield School in Newcastle, Northfield School, Billingham, and Blakeston Community School in Stockton and Biddick School in Sunderland.

The Sportsmark Awards went to Eastbourne and Longfield Schools in Darlington, Blackfyne Community School, St John's RC Comprehensive School, the Hermitage School, Whitworth School and Wolsingham School in Durham,

Hetton School, Sunderland, Gosforth East Middle School, Newcastle, Dyke House School, Hartlepool, and Conyers School and The Norton School, Stockton, were also successful.