THE sporting lot at a Horwich primary school are celebrating after winning a top award.

Claypool Primary has become one of only two schools in Bolton to have achieved the National Association for PE lecturers' Quality Mark with Distinction for "demonstrating outstanding commitment to improvement in physical education and sport".

To win the award the school had to show how it used fun and original ways to make the subject appealing to all children.

Elaine Gilmore, chairman of governors, said: "It is an award that acknowledges the quality of physical education children receive at Claypool, so to pass with distinction is extremely satisfying.

"Everyone here believes in the power of the wider and deeper curriculum to create better learners, to develop better character and to offer a better existence to pupils, so when an external expert in the field gives recognition of what a great job you are doing it confirms we are getting it right.

"Children enjoy and are inspired by the wide range of opportunities on offer to them at school and achieve high standards as a result.

"The PE curriculum is inspiring in its breadth, and nurturing in the way it is taught, helping children understand how it contributes to their thought processes, social and emotional development along with physical wellbeing. Gaining this award has helped move the school forwards on a journey to excellent provision and practice."