HARD-working teachers at four Bolton schools have been given an official Government thankyou to the tune of more than £30,000 each.

The schools have been praised by the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) for driving up exam standards between 1997 and 2000.

And each has received a School Achievement Award and a personal thankyou from School Standards Minister Estelle Morris.

Now staff at Farnworth's Harper Green School, Turton High, Mount St Joseph's High and Rivington and Blackrod High will reap the rewards of their work with the £30,000 share-out.

Harper Green School made the transition from secondary modern to comprehensive status 18 year ago and since then staff have been committed to striving for excellence.

The school has seen a rise in exam results from 30 per cent A to C grade results to 40 per cent and 90 per cent A to G results to 95 per cent in recent years.

Delighted headteacher Peter Jefferies said: "We are extremely pleased to receive this award which reflects the excellent progress made by the young people of Farnworth and Kearsley over the last three years.

"Everyone connected with the school deserves acknowledgement for their positive contribution."

Mount St Joseph head Penny Walker was equally delighted with the award which she said waa testament to the hard work of everyone connected with the school.

During the time period judged by the DfEE the school has just fallen below a 40 per cent A* to C grade average for GCSEs.

Mrs Walker said: "The figure of 40 per cent is my target and we are not there yet but we will be. This award reflects on everyone's hard work, not just the teaching staff but everyone connected with the school."

Turton and Rivington and Blackrod were also honoured with a similar cash award and certificate from the DfEE.

In congratulating staff from all four schools the minister said: "The hard work and dedication of teaching and support staff are crucial to a school's success. School Achievement Awards are intended to celebrate and reward these efforts."