PUPILS were visited by their local MP yesterday when she congratulated them on achieving beacon status.

St Andrews RC Primary School, South Bank, was awarded the status in recognition of the excellence of education it delivers and the efforts of headteacher Paul Rhatigan and his staff.

Pupils Katherine Kelly and Stephen Terry welcomed Vera Baird to the school and introduced her to staff.

Ms Baird said: "I am very proud of all the schools in my constituency, but those who gain beacon status are a source of particular pride since they have shown themselves to be centres of excellence in education.

"This is what our children deserve and what we need as a community if we are to regenerate our area and make Teesside a better and more prosperous place to live in the future."