A RISE in the number of School Games Mark awards for schools in mid Cheshire last year did not go unnoticed.

Natasha O'Flaherty, Sport England's project manager for children and young people, sent an email to Vale Royal School Sport Partnership.

It read: "We believe setting accurate targets help with planning and ensures that the quality of submissions continues to rise.

"It's clear you are doing well engaging schools in forecasting and converting those into applications.

"We're very pleased with how you've shown growth consistently, averaging significantly more applications than the rest of the country."

READ > How schools in mid Cheshire give all kids a sporting chance

Chris Story, development manager for the partnership, said that 75 per cent of schools had applied for an award last year.

Nationally, that figure was 41 per cent.

He said: "To reach any level, whether bronze or above, is an achievement.

"It's also something to massively celebrate when you see the number of schools that received a gold standard.

"To maintain progress over a number of years is not easy either given the wider context that schools find themselves in."

School Games Marks

2017-2018

Platinum

Charles Darwin Community Primary

Hartford Primary

St Nicholas RC High

Gold

Barnton Community Nursery and Primary

Cuddington Primary

Grange Community Nursery and Primary

Darnhall Primary

Hartford Manor Community Primary

Little Leigh CoE Primary

Lostock Gralam CoE Primary

Over Hall Primary

Sandiway Primary

St Joseph's RC Primary

St Mary's RC Primary

Weaverham Forest Primary

Whitley Village

Wincham Community Primary

Winnington Park Community Nursery and Primary

Winsford High Street Community Primary

Silver

Antrobus St Mark's CoE Primary

Crowton Christ Church CoE Primary

Davenham CoE Primary

Great Budworth CoE Primary

Greenbank

Hebden Green Community

Kingsmead Primary

Leftwich Community Primary

Moulton

Over St John's CoE Primary

Rosebank

St Bede's RC Primary

Victoria Road

Wharton CoE Primary

Whitegate CoE Primary

Willow Wood Community Primary

Witton Church Walk CoE Primary

Bronze

Hartford CoE High

Rudheath Primary Academy

St Chad's CoE Primary

St Wilfrid's RC Primary

Winsford Academy