SOMERS Park Primary School has had its creative work in music and drama recognised with a special gold award from the Arts Council.

The Artsmark awards are presented to schools that show commitment to all forms of art, from drama and music to design, literature, dance and sculpture. The Gold Artsmark is the highest award given by the Arts Council and has been given to less than 500 schools nationwide.

Headteacher Stuart Sewell said the award was further evidence that the school is now a centre of excellence for music and drama. Its creative work was praised in last year's Ofsted report as "innovative and exciting".

Chairman of governors, Tim Swallow said the school aimed to help pupils develop as creative, skilled learners and that governors were proud of pupils' achievements.

Artsmark is a national scheme developed by the Arts Council for England with the Department for Education and Skills and other Government departments. Awards are made annually of Artsmark, Artsmark Silver and Artsmark Gold. They are valid for three years.