YOUNGSTERS are enjoying the benefits of their school winning an award, by being presented with bookmarks and stickers.

The keepsakes are to celebrate Cockton Hill Infant School in Bishop Auckland being awarded the Quality Mark by the Basic Skills Agency.

To gain the award, the school had to prove it was providing an excellent grounding to develop the basic skills of its 176 students based on a range of ideas.

Headteacher John Redman said: "What I like about the Quality Mark is that it is about basic skills and that is what this school about.

"All our children are able to develop their basic skills and therefore develop their all-round potential."

The school was presented with its award at the beginning of the month.

Mr Redman said: "I was absolutely delighted when I heard we had got it.

"The children, staff, parents and governors all contributed and they all deserve it.''