FIFTY schools in County Durham have achieved Investor in People (IIP) status.

The latest to receive recognition are St Francis C of E Primary School, Newton Aycliffe, and Eden Hall Infant School, Peterlee.

Keith Mitchell, director of education at Durham County Council, said: "Although IIP UK doesn't list the number of schools which have achieved the award by local education authority, we believe we have the highest number of schools recognised in any LEA. We have been supporting schools in their IIP development through our management development centre for around six years, and I am delighted we have reached this important landmark.

"The fact that so many have achieved the award is testament not only to that support, but also the very high quality of professional development in our schools."

Another 70 of the county's schools have committed themselves to IIP and are currently refining their activities before putting themselves forward for assessment.