A WEST Devon primary school is celebrating after winning a prestigious award for its achievements in sport and PE.
Bere Alston Primary School has been presented with an Activemark Gold award ? one of only 128 schools across the country to have achieved the honour.
The awards are given by Sport England, in recognition of commitment of promoting the benefits of physical activity.
Jane Williams, PE co-ordinator at Bere Alston Primary School, said everyone at the school was very proud to have achieved the award.
?We had to show that we were giving the children an extensive PE curriculum with activities like dance, gym, swimming and athletics,? she said.
?We also had to demonstrate a good spread of extra-curricular activities, such as our gym club, athletics, tag rugby, football and country dancing.?
Ms Williams said PE was not just about curriculums and clubs ? the school believed primary education was about encouraging children to be fit for life.
?We want to introduce them to a variety of sports and activities now, so that they will find one or two they really enjoy.
?In that way, they will hopefully grow up into adults who will remain fit and healthy, through pursuing active pastimes they began to play here at Bere Alston,? she said.
Sport England?s chief executive Roger Drake said: ?This school has been awarded Activemark Gold for giving children the very best experiences of sport and physical activity.
?It has shown a dedication to bring PE, sport and active lifestyles to the fore of the school?s focus and has encouraged pupils to be active both in and out of lessons.?
Steve Kibble, Devon County Council?s PE adviser, said he was delighted Bere Alston was one of the first Devon schools to win a gold award.
?It is excellent to see a rural primary school like this leading the way and getting their PE and out-of-school hours provision so right,? he said.