YOUNG sports stars, teachers and parents have been praised for their part in a school’s success in striking gold.

Peover Superior Primary School is celebrating receiving the School Games Gold Mark Award for the 2017/18 academic year.

The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust, to reward schools for their commitment developing competition across their school and into the community.

The school’s sporting achievements this year include winning the Years 5 and 6 7-a-side football tournament, the Boys' Freestyle, Girls' Freestyle and Girls' Backstroke at the swimming gala, the Years 5 and 6 Tennis Tournament, Years 3 and 4 Girls' Cross Country, Years 5 and 6 Girls' Cross Country and Years 5 and 6 Boys' Cross Country.

The school also took part in the Macclesfield Rotary Club Swimathon and swam 188 lengths in 45 minutes.

“We are delighted to have been recognised for our success,” said head teacher Lisa Hesmondhalgh.

“With more than 80 per cent of young people competing in local inter-school competitions this year, we are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible.

“As part of our application, we were asked to fulfil criteria in the areas of participation, competition, workforce and clubs, and we are pleased that the hard work of everyone at our school has been rewarded this year.

“Special thanks to George Townsend and Pip Woodward for delivering such excellent PE lessons and coaching in readiness for competitions, Ian Wilkes, Regional Director of Premier Sport, for his continued support in the delivery of high-quality PE, our wonderful children, who show such enthusiasm and pride in representing their school, and their parents, who continually offer their support at inter-school competitions. We couldn't have done it without them all.”

Mr Wilkes said: “I am thrilled that Mrs Hesmondhalgh and her team at Peover Superior have been recognised with the School Games Gold Mark.

“It is a well-deserved award, that recognises the importance that the whole school places on sport as part the children’s all-round development.”