FORTY one Bolton schools have achieved the School Games Mark award this year.

At the end of the academic year, schools are eligible to apply for the accreditation which is earned by those who have shown commitment to PE and school sport throughout the year.

The award is designed to help produce high quality PE and sustained participation.

Schools must provide a number of competitive and non-competitive opportunities for pupils to be active and to promote learning and healthy lifestyles.

Schools, who were supported in their applications by school games organisers Bernadette O'Hare and Brian Richardson, are assessed against externally verified criteria set out by the Greater Sport partnership and Youth Sports Trust, and, if successful in their application, can achieve bronze, silver or gold awards.

Schools who have achieved gold for three consecutive years are eligible to apply for the prestigious platinum status.

During the year 2017/18 a total of 41 of the town's schools were successful, compared to 19 the previous year.

Bolton Wanderers Community Trust have agreed schools achieving gold or platinum will be awarded some free tickets to Bolton Wanderers matches to accept their award on a matchday.

Full list of School Games Mark Award winners:

Bronze

Lostock Primary, St John the Evangelist RC Primary, St Mary’s RC Primary, St Catherine’s CE Primary.

Silver

Markland Hill Primary, Devonshire Road Primary, Oxford Grove Primary, St Matthews CE Primary, The Oaks Primary, St Peter’s Smithills Dean CE Primary, Thornleigh Salesian College, Little Lever, Turton, St Brendan RC Primary, Clevelands Preparatory, Ladybridge High, Beaumont Primary, St Thomas CE Primary, Church Road Primary, Blackrod Primary, St Andrew’s Over Hulton CE Primary, Mount St Joseph Business and Enterprise, St James’ CE High, St Peters CE Primary, Harper Green, Horwich Parish CE Primary, Heathfield Primary, St Peter and Paul's RC Primary, St Saviour Ringley CE Primary.

Gold

Greenfold Primary, Canon Slade, St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary, The Valley Primary, St Osmund and Andrews RC Primary, Gaskel Community, Pikes Lane Primary, St James’ Daisy Hill CE Primary, St Michaels CE Primary, Cherry Tree Primary, Sacred Heart RC Primary.

Platinum

Claypool Primary.