FOUR Wyre Forest schools have all earned a prestigious national award.

Arts Council England - the development agency which funds a range of arts activities - has recognised Kidderminster's Sion Hill Middle and Stourport First schools with Artsmark gold awards.

Comberton First School in Kidderminster and Lickhill Middle School have received silver status in the same scheme.

The schools are among 156 to receive awards in the region, for excellence in the arts in education.

Artsmark recognises and rewards schools that show a commitment to the full range of the arts, including art and design, music, dance and drama.

It encourages schools to raise the standard of arts and the profile of arts education across the country and helps develop partnerships between schools, artists and arts organisations.

Awards are presented annually and are valid for three years.

This year, 80 West Midlands schools gained Artsmark gold, 46 gained Artsmark silver and a further 30 gained an Artsmark.

Sally Luton, regional executive director at Arts Council England, West Midlands, said: "We are pleased that so many schools in the West Midlands are receiving an Artsmark award this year.

"This demonstrates the regional commitment to creating a full range of opportunities to explore the arts in schools.

"These awards represent hard work by school staff and high standards achieved by pupils."