STAFF and pupils at a Darlington school are celebrating after receiving glowing praise from Government inspectors.

Mowden Infant School is rated as "good" in a new Ofsted report, to the delight of everyone involved.

Inspectors hailed the school's efforts to boost pupils' personal development as outstanding, saying children were given the chance to "grow in maturity and independence".

The curriculum was said to be good, focusing on fun and learning through practical activities, and attendance was excellent.

The quality of teaching and learning also achieved a good rating, with pupils having set themselves high standards by the time they left school.

Inspectors said the school could be further enhanced, by setting pupils more individual targets and improving assessment in writing.

Headteacher Chris Taylor said: "I am proud of the hard work of all the staff at Mowden Infant School. It is their on-going dedication that leads to a report like this one."