TWO Droitwich schools are celebrating after being recognised for their high quality of art opportunities.

St Peter's First School, in Church Lane, and Droitwich Spa High School, in Briar Hill, have been awarded prestigious national Artsmark awards.

St Peter's picked up Artsmark Gold status for its exceptional standard of opportunities in all the arts from drama and music to design, literature, dance and sculpture.

The high school didn't come far behind when it picked up an Artsmark Silver award.

It was one of only 181 schools across the country to receive the award.

Delighted St Peter's deputy head Sally Lyndon-Chance said: "It is marvellous to achieve Artsmark Gold.

"This is a true reflection of how we use the arts throughout the curriculum and a just reward for all the hard work put in by teachers throughout the school."

Cledwyn-Davies, the headteacher of Droitwich Spa High School, said: "I am very proud of all the students and staff for achieving this award.

"It is justifiable recognition for the amazing amount of hard work and creativity that is happening in arts activities across the school."

The Arts Council of England's chief executive, Peter Hewitt, said: "Artsmark celebrates the importance of the arts in education and rewards the commitment of schools to introducing children to the arts at an early age."

"All the schools displaying the Artsmark badge have demonstrated that they are concerned with the wider development of young people, not only with academic success."