PRIMARY schools across Worcestershire have been given a boost of nearly £2m to improve literacy and numeracy.

Schools Minister Cathy Ashton has announced the investment.

Schools in the West Midlands will receive £21m, with Worcestershire being given a £1.98m slice.

Herefordshire schools will receive £859,123.

The money is aimed at booster classes for 10 and 11-year-olds who need additional support, continued training for teachers in priority areas of writing, phonics and spelling, five-day maths training for 20,000 teachers, as well as additional training for literacy and maths co-ordinators.

"This means more investment in our drive to raise standards in primary schools in the West Midlands," said Ms Ashton.

"We've achieved a great deal. We know there's more we can do together.

"Teachers have worked extremely hard to deliver the improvements that have been made.

"Today's announcement of £192m nationwide highlights our commitment to maintaining that support throughout the country."