A JUNIOR school has won a national award for encouraging pupils to enjoy the arts. The Arts Council of England presented Pickering Junior School with an Artsmark award in recognition of its commitment to providing opportunities in dance, drama, music, sculpture, literature and other art forms. Schools are encouraged to work with artists and other organisations in order to receive the accolade. Headteacher Andrew Clark said: "There is a huge amount of arts activity going on here. You only have to enter the school hall to be surrounded by some stunning examples of children's art led by teachers in all classes." Celebrating the award, above, are dancer Zoe Critchley with back, from left, Tom Wrench, arts co-ordinator Emma Bogic and Ben Esse, and seated, from left, Gemma Tune and Sian King. Picture: GARRY ATKINSO