A DURHAM primary school has been awarded Artsmark Gold status for its work in the arts and also retained its similar award in sport.

St Godric's RC Primary, in Framwellgate Moor, is one of seven County Durham primary schools to receive the arts award.

Curricular and extra-curriclulr activities at the 197-pupil school were assessed, including visits to museums and galleries, work with artists, music and dance provision, the arts club and the percussion group.

St Godric's also retained its PE Activemark Gold, awarded by Sport England for its sports provision, having been one of the first in the county to secure the award three years ago.

Headteacher Christine Coxon said: "We believe that high academic achievement should go hand-in-hand with excellence in art and sport.

"Research has shown that providing a curriculum that is both broad and balanced and exciting and invigorating encourages children to want to come to school. That is what we are striving to provide.

"At the same time, we are always looking to improve standards and achieve the best we can and these awards encourage us to believe we are on the right path.''