THE school's artistic talent has shone through to win Artworks Awards for two years running.

Spennymoor School is the only school in Great Britain to have achieved this so far.

The National Children's Art Awards were conceived by the Vivian Duffield Foundation to celebrate and encourage teaching and learning in art, something the school has clearly demonstrated it can do to a very high standard.

In 2000, the first year of the awards, Kate Smalley won an award in the Motivated Individual category.

Winners in this category were credited for turning to striking and innovative sources of inspiration, which is something the school's art department greatly encourages.

Kate said: "Had it not been for the support and help from my art teachers I do not think I would have won this award. Throughout my time at Spennymoor School I have been encouraged to develop my artistic talent and to explore new areas of art and design."

This year, the school won a second award, this time in the Gallery Partnership category.

Vivian Duffield had felt that one of the main objectives of the awards was to encourage "partnerships between schools and their local and national galleries".

The judges were particularly impressed with the way the school had worked with the Oriental Museum, in Durham, to inspire students.

The school was also commended for the high quality of work produced, as well as the "brave teaching and great relationships between teachers and their pupils".

Steve Livingstone, head of the school's art department: said: "This year is more of a team effort and it recognises the work done by our staff and pupils over a ten-year period."

Both awards ceremonies were held in the Tate Modern, which was opened soon after the first awards were held.

Lloyd Grossman, chairman of the Campaign for Museums, said: "Through Artworks, I hope that schools will be encouraged to use the art collections in all our museums and galleries as dynamic springboards for their own creativity."

Spennymoor School hopes to continue its link with museums and galleries and the art department intends to continue to produce high standard work, hopefully leading to more Artwork Awards in the future