A TROUBLED Accrington school has won a prestigious national award for its work developing sport for pupils and the community.

Moorhead High School, Queen's Road West, was given the Sportsmark award from Sport England after 18 months of work.

The award follows a troubled time at the school after six pupils pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour when trouble broke out between white and Asian youths in January last year.

"Lets just keep our fingers crossed that they have turned the corner," said Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe.

The school's work focused on a well-balanced physical education programme operating in and out of school hours and on sporting links with the local community.

The school also opened its sports hall to local clubs and set up links with professional teams such as Blackburn Rovers, Burnley FC and Sale Sharks rugby union club.

This gave pupils the opportunity to be active and involved in sport and to enjoy what they were doing regardless of their ability.

Around 580 schools across the country were given the award by Sport England - a non- departmental public body which is accountable to government and distributes lottery funds - of which 82 were in the North West.

The Sportsmark award follows the completion of the new sports hall in September last year, which was part of a £4million project to unite the school that was formerly split over two sites. It was awarded to schools throughout the country for their efforts in developing and providing sports.

Moorhead PE teacher Russel Keighley said: "It is recognition of 18 months hard work from everybody and we are delighted with it.

"It also recognises the improved standards of the pupils and what they have done. Their participation has been very positive."

Headteacher Andrew Bateman said: "We are absolutely delighted. The achievement of the award has required the school to complete a thorough application process.

"We have welcomed this opportunity to review our PE and sporting provision and are delighted to receive recognition for the wide range of opportunities we provide for all our students."

Coun Britcliffe said: "It is good to hear some good news and the fact they have achieved this award shows that they have done well. Lets just keep our fingers crossed that they have turned the corner.

"Thanks must go to the pupils and staff for their hard work over the last 18 months."