QUALITY counts at a Bolton primary school and to prove they have been just picked up their fourth prestigious award in a row.

St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary, Eastbourne Grove, now has the full set of gongs covering both academic and sporting excellence.

Their latest is the Basic Skills Quality Mark -- which was awarded to the school after a rigorous inspection.

The award praises the good work of schools across the academic spectrum looking at aspects of literacy and numeracy.

Bolton's director of education Margaret Blenkinsop was on hand at the school recently to present the Quality Mark to delighted head-teacher Pam McTague.

Mrs McTague said that it reflected the hard work and commitment of staff, pupils, parents and governors. She said: "Since our Ofsted inspection in 1997 we have been awarded Beacon Status, Investor in People status, Sport England's Active Mark gold award and now the Quality Mark.

"It certainly has been a good few years for everyone at the school and we are determined to continue the success story."

As well as receiving the award itself, the school is now entitled to use the Quality Mark logo on the school stationery.

Which presents them with just one problem.

"We now have four logos to use on our letters," said Mrs McTague. "So we are looking for bigger notepaper to fit them all on."