A WEST Devon primary school had the special treatment when they travelled to a sporting superstar-studded awards ceremony in Gateshead recently.

St Andrew's School at Buckland Monachorum were awarded an Activemark Gold Award earlier this year from Sport England — and two lucky pupils Emma Bennett and Thomas Scott travelled with headteacher Bill Houldsworth to the north of England to collect the award.

The ceremony took place on the trackside at Gateshead Stadium during the European Cup athletics event and was relayed round the grounds on big screens.

Emma said: 'When we were told we had been chosen to represent the school we both felt very excited.

'Since our school is so far away we had to fly but as neither of us had flown before, we were really looking forward to it.'

The framed certificate was presented by Trevor Brooking and Steve Cram — a moment to treasure for Emma and Thomas.

Thomas said: 'Trevor Brooking signed our autograph cards and he posed for photographs. This was the closest we had ever been to a famous footballer — it was great!'

The children also had the chance to see top class international athletes competing at close hand — their favourites being the pole vault, high jump and middle distance races.

St Andrew's was the first school in the South West to be awarded the Sport England Activemark Gold Award — this is the first year the awards have been presented.

The award scheme recognises schools which provide and encourage physical activity with a broad PE programme, teaching children the importance of being active.