Horsforth School is celebrating after receiving a prestigious Sportsmark for its dedication to PE and sport.

Head teacher Steve Jex has praised the pupils at the school for being committed to sport.

He said: "News of the award has given the school a real sense of achievement. PE and sport has always had a high priority in our school but this recognition by Sport England gives us a special credence that we can shout about.

!I believe we must continue to reinforce the benefits of keeping active and fit to our young people, as they are the next generation and sport is a key building block to a healthy adult life.

"We have recently attained specialist science status and the Artsmark award so we are particularly delighted to gain further recognition in the area of sport."

More than 700 schools received a commendation from Sport England and 590 received the sportsmark.

Sport England Chief Executive Roger Draper praised Horsforth School. He said: "We are finding more and more of our young people are becoming overweight as a result of their poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. We need to re-emphasise the benefits of physical education, sport and physical activity to children and young people through positive first experiences at school.

"Horsforth has been awarded the sportsmark for doing just that. They have shown a dedication to bring PE and sport to the fore of the school's focus and have encouraged their pupils to be active both in and out of lessons and within the community."

Sportsmark is awarded to schools that have policies and practices for the provision of a well balanced physical education programme, for developing an out-of-school programme and for enabling students to move into sport in the community.