SCHOOLS in Wyre Forest have helped the county score the second biggest haul of Artsmark awards in the country this year.

Wolverley High School and St John's Middle School were among 19 which scooped the prestigious award for their commitment to the arts - both district schools receiving gold.

Stephen Belinfante, Worcestershire County Council's senior inspector for arts, said: "This is a big improvement on last year. We beat Northants this time around, but were pipped to first by Cheshire. As far as I'm aware, it means over the last two years we have more than any other LEA."

The awards will be presented at Warwick University next month.