THREE local schools have gained a School Games Mark Award in recognition of their commitment to sport in the 2016-17 academic year.

The Government-led award scheme was launched in 2012 and is run by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community.

Minehead First School gained a gold award for the second year running.

Its sporting achievements included being nominated for a SASP Sports Award in recognition for how it spent its Government PE grant, becoming county champions in the Year 3/4 Gymnastics Key Step Competition, reaching the county school games finals at Millfield School for quad athletics, and running over 15 extra-curricular clubs on a weekly basis.

In addition, every Year 4 pupil attended at least one extracurricular club, four teams represented the school at Level 2 competitions, and the school worked with SASP to run a “Healthy Futures” programme with Year 2 pupils.

“We are extremely proud of our children and staff for their dedication to all aspects of school sport and wish to thank our local club and community links who have worked closely with us to continue to improve provision and opportunities for the children in our care,” said school spokesman.

“As part of our application, we were asked to fulfil criteria in the areas of participation, competition, workforce and clubs, and we are pleased that the hard work of everyone at our school has been rewarded this year.”

Headteacher Keith Mansell said: “We are very proud of achieving this award for the second year in a row and would like to say a special thank you to PE lead Mrs Sarah Evans for continuing her work in developing PE and school sport throughout the school.”

Danesfield C of E Middle School in Williton applied for a quality mark for the first time and secured a silver award.

Head Teacher Adam Evans said: ‘You have to prove the school takes sport seriously, which we do at Danesfield. We have amazing facilities and we work tirelessly to ensure that the children have as many sporting opportunities as possible.

“The school is delighted to have been recognised for its efforts.

“68 per cent of the school attended lunchtime and after-school sports clubs last year, which is a fantastic level of involvement for a school as big as Danesfield.

“We thank the children for their enthusiasm and commitment and the staff for their dedication. Thanks also to all of Danesfield’s club and community links who have worked closely with us to continue to improve the school’s clubs and competitions for the children in our care.”

St Michael’s C of E First School in Minehead gained a bronze award.

Sporting achievements included participation in football, catchball, tennis and cricket competitions, and pupils also took part in the Beacon to Beach Run,the Swimathon, area and quad athletics and country dancing.

“With a total of 66 young people competing in local inter-school competitions this year, they have shown dedication to all aspects of school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible,” said the schools PE lead Karen Mills-Bown.