TWO primary schools have been voted "top class" after receiving the Quality Mark for Basic Skills.

Our Lady of Grace RC Primary in Prestwich and Ribble Drive Primary in Whitefield were presented with the award for their basic skills in numeracy and literacy, by the Basic Skills Agency.

Each school had to achieve ten standards of literacy and numeracy that is taught, assessed and monitored by them and teachers were observed during classes by the Agency assessors.

Our Lady of Grace headteacher, Miss Pat Jones, said: "This award is for all members of our school community who support our hardworking staff and children in their learning. This is a great achievement for our school."

Miss Jones said the school, in Highfield Road, was well supported by parents and other helpers during the week. which had contributed to their success

Pupils dressed up in costume to perform an excerpt from a play "Charlie" for the Basic Skills Agency executive director, Pat Collard, who presented the award.

The pupils will join 12 other Bury schools at the Castle Leisure Centre on Saturday for the play based on the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie when he invaded Lancashire.

Headteacher of Ribble Drive Primary, Mrs Susan Erswell, said she was equally delighted with the award and added: "I am very proud to accept this award on behalf of the whole school.