A DARLINGTON school is celebrating an award marking the quality of service it offers.

Carmel RC Technology College has been awarded a Charter Mark after a string of initiatives introduced in recent years.

This year, the school is offering a Master of Arts course for its teaching staff, as well as those from other schools.

The college has also been involved in a wide variety of initiatives spanning Europe and further afield.

Headteacher James O'Neill said he was delighted the school had been awarded the Charter Mark at the first attempt.

The college was presented with the award by Estelle Morris, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, at a ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre, Westminster, London