GOVERNMENT Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong visited Durham to present teaching awards.

The North West Durham MP gave Basic Skills Quality Marks to 28 schools from across the county, at a ceremony in Bowburn Hall, Durham.

Awarded by Durham County Council and the Basic Skills Agency, the mark recognises good practice in teaching the essentials. Among schools recognised were Consett Junior and Leadgate Infants in the MP's constituency.

She said: "I am especially proud of the two schools in my constituency. These awards are a credit to all those who work together so well, the children and young people, their parents, the staff and the Education Department."

Schools wining awards were: New Brancepeth Primary; South Pelaw Infant; Acre Rigg Infant; Acre Rigg Junior: St Joseph's RCVA Primary in Coundon; Our Lady Queen of Martyrs RCVA Primary; Browney Primary; West Rainton Primary; Escomb Primary; Cockton Hill Infant; Bournmoor Primary; Hamsterley Primary; Chester-le-Street Junior; Cotsford Junior; Bullion Lane Primary; Glen Dene Special; Yohden Primary; Leadgate Infant; Woodlea Primary; Howletch Lane Primary; Our Lady of the Rosary RCVA Primary; Hesleden Primary; Deaf Hill Primary; Wheatley Hill Primary; Consett Junior; Sacriston Junior; Cassop Primary; and Easington Community School.