A PRIMARY school near Trowbridge has received a prestigious achievement award for the third year running.

Southwick Primary has been recognised by the Department for Education and Skills after out-performing other schools.

Teacher Paula Bartlett said: "The first year we achieved it, it was for substantial improvements in results. This year and last it has been for better results than most schools in similar circumstances.

"It is rather special to get it three years in a row and we are really proud of that.

"The staff and children work very hard to keep raising the standards in the school and this award reflects that."

Mrs Bartlett said the good working relationship between staff, parents, children and governors provides one of its greatest strengths.

There are also very good links between the school and the community in general.

There is a school council and representatives from each of the classes meet every week.

Recently the youngsters went along to a parish council meeting in the village where they put their questions and concerns to local councillors.

The school is also a part of the Vibrant Schools project, a partnership between Wiltshire County Council and Bath Spa College.

Mrs Bartlett said: "It is a project that gets the schools together with members of the council and the college to try out new things to make education more exciting."