SCHOOLS in County Durham are celebrating after being praised by the chief inspector of schools.

Ouston Infant School, in Chester-le-Street, was one of 393 outstanding schools across the country singled out by David Bell in his annual report this week.

Headteacher Sheila Gallagher said she was delighted by the accolade. She said: "It is our intention to keep on building on what we have already achieved, to continue to be innovative and keeping the arts high on our curriculum."

Another on the top list was St Thomas More RC Primary School at Belmont, Durham.

Headteacher, Lesley Wright said: "Governors staff parents and children are all very proud of this achievement.

"It is tremendous to receive this recognition and we are naturally delighted.

"As the new headteacher I would like to congratulate everyone concerned, including Damian Groark, who was headteacher at the time.

"It is absolutely wonderful that the dedication, hard work and commitment of everyone in school has been recognised in this way."

Other schools in the area described by Mr Bell as outstanding included South Pelaw Infant School, in Chester-le-Street, Witton Gilbert Primary School, Durham, and St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, in Chester-le-Street.