NEARLY 20 North Yorkshire schools have won official recognition for their commitment to the arts.

They have each been awarded an Artsmark by the Arts Council England - and more than half have the highest level, gold.

The awards recognise schools that have made a strong commitment to the arts and have developed a range of arts provision for their pupils.

The executive director of the Arts Council in Yorkshire, Andy Carver, said: "Taking part in the arts helps young people reach their full potential, in their education and personal development. We believe all children and young people should have access to the highest quality art experiences."

There are three levels of award - Artsmark, Artsmark Silver, and Artsmark Gold. They are offered annually and are valid for three years.

Winners were: Pickering Community Junior; Kirkbymoorside Community Primary; Helmsley County Primary; Thirsk School and Sixth Form College (gold); Rossett School, Harrogate (gold); Oatlands Community Junior, Harrogate (gold); Tockwith CE Primary (gold); North Duffield Community Primary (gold); Roecliffe CE Primary (gold); Meadowside Community Primary, Knaresborough (gold); St John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate (gold); Northallerton College (silver); St Aidan's CE High School, Harrogate (silver); South Craven School (silver); Nawton Community Primary (silver); Lady Lumley's School, Pickering (silver); Kirkby Malzeard CE Primary (silver); Naburn CE Primary (gold); and Acomb Primary, York (gold).