STAFF and pupils at a Horwich primary school are celebrating after being named by Government education chiefs as a shining light for other schools to follow.

Claypool Primary School is among 166 schools throughout the UK to be given "beacon status" this week for their efforts in raising standards, sharing ideas and improving exam achievements.

Each beacon school is awarded an average of £36,000 to fund work with other schools in a bid to help close the gap between the best and lower performing schools.

Claypool, though, has been allocated a massive £120,000 which will fund further projects at the school over the next three years.

Beacon school status was launched four years ago.

The successful schools this year will also be expected to get involved in teacher training to ensure that good practice is passed on to those entering the profession.

The Government cash at Claypool will also help to fund a replacement teacher for deputy head Jeremy Atkinson who will supervise the scheme as full-time beacon manager. Funding will be used to pay for supply teachers at other schools to cover while their staff will be invited to Claypool for seminars and meetings to share good practice.

Glenys Evans, Colaypool headteacher, also hopes the Salisbury Road primary school will host national education conferences.

The beacon plans will be put into action in September although a great deal of work has already been undertaken.

Mrs Evans said: "I am delighted. All the staff and governors welcome the news and look forward to the opportunity this provides for us to work in partnership with other schools.

"I'm sure the overall experience will be mutually rewarding and beneficial."

She added: "It's pleasing that the school's good practices have been acknowledged and we know welcome the chance top share our ideas with other schools in Bolton -- and beyond."