A TOWN centre school has won praise for its improving standards, relations with parents, and handling of ethnic minority children.

Abingdon Primary School, in Middlesbrough, is described as "a good school where pupils are keen to learn" by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education. (Ofsted)

Their report highlights the school's success and popularity with parents, its quality of teaching, the headteacher's "inspirational" leadership and pupils' positive attitudes.

Headteacher Bob Eastwood said: "This is our first Ofsted report. It fully and accurately reflects the strengths of the school and the willingness of the whole community to build on them.

"The report shows we are continuously raising standards and developing a stable and harmonious multi-cultural society in Middlesbrough. We are delighted with the report, and are addressing the issues raised by the inspectors."

Areas for improvement mentioned include pupils' attendance and punctuality.