TWO local secondary schools have been given the prestigious Sportsmark Award for their commitment to sport.

They are two Grant Maintained secondary schools.

The first is St James's CE Secondary, Farnworth which has sporting pupils running, swimming, jumping and volley-balling at county and national level.

The second is Canon Slade School, Bradshaw, which has made its mark in athletics, swimming, tennis, basketball and rounders.

Today the two schools were included among 409 throughout the country to receive the Government-endorsed Sportsmark Award which recognises the school's long-term commitment to sport and physical education.

"We will be able to display the award on our letter heads which will give prospective parents and pupils a very real insight into what this school is all about," said St James' headteacher David Bowes.

The schools joint success was announced today by Sports Minister Tony Banks. As already reported in the BEN, St James's is bidding for National Lottery money to create a £3m regional volleyball centre at the Farnworth site.

As well as the sportsmark Award, Canon Slade has won the 1997 Grant Maintained Schools Award of Excellence for Achievement in Sport competing against GM schools across the country and has been warmly welcomed by headteacher The Reverend Peter Shepherd.

"Pupils and staff richly deserve these awards. Their commitment, enthusiasm and ability have made Canon Slade the premier school for sport in Bolton, and one of the top in the country."

Another Farnworth school enjoying sporting success is Harper Green comprehensive. Forty of its pupils have qualified for the Bolton Athletics Championships finals and pupil Emma Thornton has been picked to represent Greater Manchester in the javelin at the English Schools Championships.

In recognition of the school's success, Midland Bank in Farnworth has sponsored new athletics vests.

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