ACCOLADES for achievements in teaching the arts have been given to several schools.

Peases West Primary School, Billy Row, Crook, has been presented with the Artsmark Gold award by the Arts Council of England in recognition of the way it teaches the subject.

Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, in Newton Aycliffe, and Haughton Community School, Darlington, also achieved gold awards

Peases West headteacher Judith Stirk said: "This is tremendous news. I would like to thank my teachers, other staff, parents and volunteers for working hard to achieve this award. We appreciate the support we receive from many agencies, but particularly Wear Valley Arts, with whom we have worked in partnership for many years."

To obtain the award, schools have to demonstrate a commitment to providing opportunities across all the arts, including drama, music, photography, poetry and dance.

Some of the pupils from Peases West have been working with poet Gillian Allnutt to improve their writing skills. Others have been working with musician Ken Patterson to compose a folk song and dance.

Textile artist Clare Satow has also been working with the school to produce a wall hanging depicting the history of Billy Row.