A SCHOOL in the North-East has been named as one of the best in the world for promoting Mandarin language and Chinese culture.

Hummersknott Academy in Darlington has been recognised as one of the top four Confucius classrooms in the world alongside schools in the US and Thailand.

The Confucius classroom status is awarded by the Chinese government to institutions that promote Chinese language and culture in foreign countries.

Hummersknott Academy has taught Mandarin for the past 12 years and been a Confucius Classroom for the last seven.

The school also has two Hanban teachers, funded by the Chinese Government, who help to promote the Chinese language and culture in the local community.

Principal Pat Howarth travelled to China to receive the award at a presentation hosted by Vice Premier of China, Liu Yandong.

Mr Howarth said: “It is a great honour to have been recognised in this way. I would like to thank the staff, students and parents for all their hard work in making this possible.”

Students at the school can learn Mandarin from the age of 12 before taking a GCSE in the language.

It also has links with a boarding school in Guangdong, southern China, and regularly hosts exchange trips for students.

A ten-week evening course in Mandarin will start on January 21. Places are £10. To book call 01325-246469.