HASLINGDEN Primary School has been named Rossendale SPAR Star School of the Year.

The school won the title after gaining the highest number of points at the district qualifying events for the SPAR Youth Games last year.

The local competition included year five and six cricket, gymnastics, ‘tag’ rugby, netball and indoor athletics.

Head teacher Julie Burnside has now received £700-worth of new cricket equipment and sports trophies.

The annual SPAR Star Primary School Awards recognise and reward schools which actively participate in the greatest number of local SPAR Lancashire Youth Games qualifying heats in their borough.

A spokesman for James Hall and Co, who sponsor the Spar Games, said: “I would like to thank Haslingden Primary School for its contribution to the SPAR Lancashire Youth Games 2008, which helped make the event such a great success.

“It’s a great accolade for the school’s active participation in encouraging healthy lifestyles in Rossendale and I’m sure the new kit will be put to good use by the pupils at this year’s events.

“Our sponsorship of the Youth Games and the SPAR Star Schools Awards is an important part of our local community involvement programme and something we’re very proud to be a part of.”