CHILDREN at a Stockton primary school are celebrating after winning an award for their dedication to sport.

Harrow Gate Primary School, on Piper Knowle Road, is to receive the Activemark Gold from Sport England for its wide and diverse physical education programme.

It is one of 11 schools in the North-East to get the accolade and one of 104 across the country.

The school's PE co-ordinator, Paul Mobberley, said: "I feel I have worked hard to achieve this award but none of this could have been achieved without the work put in by colleagues, parents and volunteers as well as the excellent enthusiasm and behaviour of the children."

"The award has been good recognition for a lot of hard work by a lot of people and is something we must now ensure we maintain and improve on."

The school runs a range of physical activities. Children enjoy football, netball, basketball and other outdoor sports each term with different teachers.

It holds after-school games clubs including, athletics, cross country, rounders, dance and cricket.

In year six, youngsters can go on a residential week to try activities such as orienteering, shelter building and team challenges.

Sport England chief executive Roger Draper said: "We are finding more and more of our young people are becoming overweight as a result of their diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

"We need to re-emphasise the benefits of sport and physical activity to children and young people through positive experiences at school."