THIRTEEN East Lancashire schools or nurseries have been hailed as outstanding by the Government.

They were given the top marks in Ofsted inspections carried out in the last academic year.

Some 1,998 revealed the accolade nationally, according to the annual report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills.

In East Lancashire, four nurseries, six primaries, two secondary schools and a special school were named as outstanding.

David Hampson is executive headteacher at Alder Grange Technology and Community School in Rawtenstall, which was listed for the third time.

He said: "We're absolutely delighted.

"Being included for the third time is a wonderful recognition of all the hard work our excellent staff and pupils have put in, and support from our governors.

"But we are not the type of school to ever be completely satisfied or complacent, and we're striving for more."

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector Christine Gilbert, said: "I am delighted to recognise, publicly, such outstanding provision across all areas of education and care and to pay tribute to all who contributed to this success."

The outstanding providers are: Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Stubbins Primary School, Whitegate Children's Centre, Padiham, Walton Lane Nursery School, Nelson, Oswaldtwistle West End Primary School, Accrington All Saints CE Primary School, Clayton-le-Moors, Whalley CE Primary School, Fairfield Nursery School, Accrington, Bradley Nursery School, Nelson, Hendon Brook Short Stay School, Nelson Newfield School, Blackburn, and Meadowhead Infant School, Blackburn.