MALMESBURY School has been awarded a prestigious national award by Sport England.

The school is one of 590 schools in the country to be given the The Sportsmark award, given only to those who meet the tough targets set out by Sport England.

Headteacher Malcolm Trobe said he was honoured that the school won the award.

He said: "We strive to ensure that our students have access to appropriate opportunities in all these areas and achievement of the Sportsmark award acknowledges the high level of provision we are achieving."

The national accreditation programme is only given to schools who prove their curriculum covers a well balanced physical education programme, has an out of hours scheme and sporting links to the community.

Head of PE at the school Ann Napper said the award reinforced the school's sporting achievements.

"We aim to provide all our students with the opportunity to be active and involved in sport and have an enjoyable and satisfying experience in doing so, whatever their level of ability.

"In this way, we hope to foster a positive attitude towards sport so that students continue to participate in, and reap the benefits of, a physically active lifestyle."

Sportsmark was launched by Sport England five years ago and almost 2,500 applications have been submitted in that time and 1,986 awards handed out.