A WEE County school has been recognised with a prestigious national accolade for innovation and achievement in the delivery of PE and extra-curricular sport.

Staff and pupils at Coalsnaughton Primary were presented with a sportscotland Gold Sport Award by partnership manager Steven Coulter, on Friday, March 17.

Head teacher Colleen ClarkBurns said: "We really put the health and wellbeing, physical education and sport at the heart of our school and local community.

"The award has helped to ensure that there are opportunities for all our children to engage and participate in."

The School Sport Award initiative is designed to help schools continuously improve physical education and sport – it also encourages them to develop links with the communities around them.

There are currently 158 gold schools, 281 silver and 92 bronze across Scotland.

To achieve a bronze or silver award schools self-assess their current practice, however, to gain gold status an extensive external assessment is also carried out by an independent panel of experts.

Ms ClarkBurns said: "The on-line self-assessment tool which is provided by sportscotland helped us to reflect on our current practice and to identify areas for improvement.

"The process puts our young people at the forefront of the decision making and implementation processes around sport in our school.

"This award has been a real combined and team effort. The pupil sports committee, Mr Ward ( PE specialist), all our staff, Alison Mackie (Active Schools co-ordinator), Vicky Stephen (PEPASS development officer) a number of Active School coaches and parent volunteers, especially Claire McInroy, Emma McLaren have all contributed and supported the process.

"It has been a real privilege to watch our youngsters grow in confidence and to see them participating in the many activities and events that we have been able to offer.

"Our aim is to build on this good work and to continue to provide high quality experiences for our children. We are extremely proud of this fantastic achievement."

As part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge, Coalsnaughton is also a PEPASS School – promoting physical education, physical activity and school sport.

Staff and partner agencies work hard to deliver the two hours PE entitlement and to provide lunch time clubs, after-school clubs and to facilitate youngsters in attending local, regional and international events.