THE Football Association has awarded St Egwin's Middle School one of the highest honours in grass roots football, the prestigious regional FA Charter Standard Schools award.

The Evesham school is one of only 42 throughout the country to receive a regional award.

The awards were established four years ago to reward FA kite-marked schools that set standards of teaching football in the curriculum, out of school hours, entering schools competitions and linking to local charter standard clubs, as well as supporting additional schools to gain the award and running young leadership football courses.

St Egwin's is one of 93 Charter Standard schools in Worcestershire, ranging from First to High Schools.

Andy Norman, county development manager for the Worcestershire FA said: "St Egwin's is a worthy winner of the West Midlands Regional Charter Standard award and is providing young people in the school with the chance to enjoy football in a positive, safe and structured environment.

"Among their many footballing achievements this year was success in the Pershore and Evesham District Under-11s girls competition and runners-up spot in the county finals.

"Pupils also benefit from having excellent links with the junior section at Evesham United, giving children more opportunities to play our national game."