PENDOCK Primary School has won a national Activemark Gold Award for its efforts to improve pupils' health through sport.

The school was one of only 107 in England to make the shortlist and one of just 40 to achieve the gold standard.

Headteacher Gill Deakin said: "We're a small school with 49 pupils on our roll and we feel strongly that although we are small, our children will not miss out on any opportunities.

"We continually reinforce the benefits of keeping active and fit to our children.

"We provide a range of activities for children of all ages and abilities through the curriculum and with an extensive extra-curricular programme, which is important for self esteem and, of course, health."

The school has also received help from the British Heart Foundation, through its Get Active, Stay Active resource pack, Malvern Hills District Council sports development officers, Malvern Rugby Club and PE advisory teachers in Worcestershire.