BOLTON Parish Church School has been presented with a national award in recognition of its consistent efforts to keep pupils active, fit and healthy.

The schools is just one of 177 schools to receive an Activemark award from Sport England for the way it has promoted the benefits of physical activity and sport. It will receive a plaque and certificate.

Sport England's acting chief executive Roger Draper said: "We are finding more and more of our young people are becoming overweight as a result of their diet and sedentary lifestyle.

"We need to re-emphasise the benefits of sport and physical activity."

"These schools have been awarded Activemark for doing just that. They have shown a dedication to bring PE, sport and active lifestyles to the fore of the school's focus and have encouraged their pupils to be active both in and out of lessons."

The Activemark award is valid for three years and schools are encouraged to celebrate their achievement with pupils, staff, parents and partner organisations.

All schools that express interest in the scheme receive a copy of the Active School Resource Pack for primary Schools, produced by the British Heart Foundation.