A WORCESTER primary school has struck gold by winning the highest award from the Arts Council.

Pupils and staff at Stanley Road Primary are celebrating after becoming the first primary school in the county to win the Artsmark Gold award.

It is the top honour schools can receive for arts education. It has been modelled on the successful Sportsmark schemes and is a benchmark of excellence.

"It's an acknowledgement of all the hard work the team here have put in to maintain high standards in the arts," said Lucy Dennison, arts co-ordinator at Stanley Road school.

"Literacy and numeracy strategies have meant arts subjects have been squeezed in the curriculum, but we believe a strong arts presence is essential to the soul, spirit and culture of a school and the full development of its pupils."

The school can now use the Arts Council Artsmark Gold logo alongside its name to show it is a centre of excellence.

Stanley Road Primary achieved gold status for activities carried out in after-school clubs, as well as during school hours.

It was also praised for strong partnerships with other agencies such as Worcester Art Gallery and Museum, Dance Fest, drama group C & T and Worcester Arts Workshop.

"We never say no to opportunities offered and we find funding from many sources to enhance the children's education," added Mrs Dennison.

"This is what makes Stanley Road such a vibrant school."

Ten other county schools are celebrating achieving Artsmark status, including Bishop Perowne CE High School in Worcester, which receives a silver award.

"We're absolutely delighted," said Julie Farr, deputy head at the school in Merriman's Hill.

"It's due to the commitment of staff. It's very much because of the wealth of extra-curricular activities available in school."

The schools' applications for Artsmark awards were supported by the Local Education Authority.

"This is a result of considerable hard work from headteachers and teachers," said Stephen Belinfante, arts inspector at Worcestershire County Council.

"They reflect the real energy and focus on the arts across the county. We're really proud of their achievements."

Examples of arts schoolwork are currently on display in an exhibitioion called Voices and Visions which is being staged at Worcester Cathedral.