Deerness Compehensive School in Durham is one of four County Durham schools to have won a high ranking quality award for its out-of- school activities.

The school received the Quality in Study Support Award.

The award is graded emerging, established and Deerness was awarded emerging status.

The school has been working since September 2001 to gain the award and to be successful it had to assemble a portfolio of activities and make a presentation on why it should receive the award.

Since 1997 Deerness has operated a partnership with Durham University Student Community Action in which students volunteer to take part in activities ranging from one-to-one tuition to helping with sport and music.

Seaham Deneside, Easington Community School and Bishop Auckland's King James I school are the other three County Durham schools to win the award.