AS last week’s Lancashire Telegraph Schools Awards demonstrated, there is some truly outstanding work going on behind the doors of our schools right across Pennine Lancashire.

Many don’t seek or get the recognition they deserve, hence the setting up of the awards to give praise where it is due.

Now, a Blackburn school has been recognised nationally for its work in improving literacy.

And these awards should not be under-estimated.

Shadsworth Infant School has a much higher than average number of pupils from disadvantaged families, as well as a large number of disabled pupils and those with special needs.

Despite all these challenges, the school is doing some amazing things when it comes to literacy.

A great example was six-year-old Alisha Cowell who won a Lancashire Telegraph award and gave a speech to a 100-strong audience when she accepted it.

When the youngster started in reception she was in the lowest 10 per cent, but now she is on track to achieving national averages in her SATS.

Reading is the key to ensuring a child has a successful education and has so many other benefits which are carried through into adulthood.