Helsby Hillside Primary School has achieved the Sainsbury School Games Gold Kitemark - the first school in  Cheshire to receive the national award for school sports  provision.

The government-led awards  scheme launched last year to reward schools for their dedication  to developing competition.

The school achieved the gold  standard in recognition of their  involvement in inter-school, local  and county competitions, as well  as their strong links with local  sports clubs.

Headteacher Craig Richardson  said: “We are delighted to receive  such a prestigious national award  and it is recognition for all that we  do in sport in school.

“Our pupils get the opportunity  to participate in a wide range of  sports, organised by Artie Senior  the school sports co-ordinator,  from cross country running and  football to short-mat bowls.

“They really enjoy the challenge  and competitive nature of playing  sport with and against friends and  other schools.

“Our hockey and tag rugby  teams have qualified for the  county finals already so it looks  like we are set for another successful year of competition.”

Artie Senior, who works with all  the primary schools in Helsby and  Frodsham, said: “Helsby Hillside  were the first school in Cheshire to  be awarded the Sainsbury School  Games Gold Kitemark and only 22  in the country have now been  awarded it.

“It is a fitting tribute to all the  hard work and support from  headteacher Craig Richardson  and PE co-ordinator Claire  Fairhurst.”