Tanni hands out awards to schools for sporting achievement

Winner of five London Marathons and four gold medals at the Sydney Paralympics, Tanni Grey-Thompson had an inspirational message for the 21 schools from the region who had earned Sportsmark or Sportsmark Gold Awards.

She presented the awards at Bishop Auckland Town Hall yesterday, telling pupils and staff: "These awards are a huge achievement for your schools. Education is about giving people opportunities, encouraging them to do the best they can and having fun. Taking part in sport is not always about winning. I have learnt more about being an athlete from losing races than from winning."

Sport England recently announced a five-year plan to improve and develop sports provision and performance throughout the region.

To earn a Sportsmark Award schools must offer a range of activities and persuade 30 per cent of each year group to be involved in sport after school. They must also have good links with sports clubs and take part in competitions.

Forty-six schools around the country which achieved even more for their pupils earned Sportsmark Gold awards. These included six from the North-East: Greencroft School, in Derwentside; Benfield School, Newcastle; Northfield School, Billingham; Blakeston Community School, in Stockton; and Biddick School Specialist Sports College, Sunderland.

Sportsmark Awards went to: Eastbourne School and Longfield School, in Darlington; Blackfyne Community School, St John's RC Comprehensive, the Hermitage, Whitworth and Wolsingham School and Community College, in County Durham; Dyke House, in Hartlepool; Benfield and Gosforth East Middle School, Newcastle; Haydon Bridge Community High School and Sports College, Northumberland; Boldon School, South Tyneside; Northfield School Sports College, Blakeston Community School, Conyers School and The Norton School, Stockton; Biddick School Specialist Sports College and Hetton School, Sunderland; and Farringdon School, City of Sunderland