TWO Bolton schools were celebrating after being granted specialist sports college status.

One of the schools is Ladybridge High, formerly the failing Deane School, and the second is St James's CE Secondary School in Farnworth.

St James's School will receive an extra £129,000 every year for four years.

Headteacher Bob Atkinson said: "This is great news. The bid involved a great deal of hard work.

"The announcement that we are to be designated a specialist sports college provides a fantastic opportunity for the school and the local community to develop further through sport."

Sports college status will allow the school to make the most of its new sports hall, dance area and sports science suite, which were recently completed at a cost of £1.8 million.

It is also hoped a multi-use games area will be finished in time for the sports college launch in September.

Jo Gabler, head teacher at Ladybridge, said: "We are delighted with the award of sports college status.

"It is a mark of the investment the school has made in improving provision and opportunity for our young people and the local community. We are committed to creating a school which embraces holistic development alongside high standards. This status will facilitate the development of resources and ensure a dynamic learning environment at the heart of the community.

"It is particularly welcome as Ladybridge High forges new territory as a new school."

Cllr Carole Swarbrick, Bolton Council's executive member for education and integrated Children's Services, said: "Their sports college status is well deserved and reflects the hard work done by everyone involved. I congratulate both schools and wish them well in their future development."

Education Secretary and Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly said: "This is excellent news for the staff, parents and pupils at Ladybridge High School and I would like to congratulate all those for their hard work in achieving this status."