A SCHOOL'S measures to combat boredom and bad behaviour at break times have resulted in a £2,000 reward.

English Martyrs RC Primary School, in Southwick, Sunderland, took first prize in the London Electricity School Grounds Awards 2003.

The competition, organised in partnership with charity Learning Through Landscapes, aims to encourage the development of outdoor learning facilities in Sunderland's schools.

English Martyrs was named the overall winner after impressing the judges with its preparations and its plans to introduce social and seating areas for pupils, including wigwams, stepping stones and buddy benches.

The money will go towards buying and installing the equipment, which is aimed at addressing anti-social and disruptive behaviour at break times.

Other schools benefiting from the awards were East Herrington primary, Redby primary, in Fulwell, and Barmston village primary, in Washington. They each received £1,000 after being highly commended.

East Herrington responded to pupil requests for a covered sand pit and playhouse, Redby devised plans to transform a vandalised area into a wildlife haven, and Barmston impressed judges with its plans for a wildflower garden.

The efforts of Dubmire, Seaburn Dene, Springwell Village, Witherwack primary schools and Diamond Hall Infant School were recognised and they each received £500.

Sandy Fitzgerald, chairman of the judging panel, said: "We're delighted with the number of high-calibre entries the competition attracted this year.

"Unfortunately, it means the selection process was particularly tough.

"Overall, we looked for schools which we felt had most involved the pupils in their vision and which had devised well-planned projects capable of realistically bringing the most benefits to all."