BURNLEY's Ivy Bank High School has received national approval for its out-of-school-hours provision.

The school was one of more than 1,100 to apply for extra funding from the Education Extra, but only about 300 actually received an award and Ivy Bank received a distinction.

Deputy head Karen Cowley said: "The Education Extra distinction award is in recognition of our whole out-of-school-hours learning activities especially in physical education."

The school has now received extra funding to expand the extra-curricular activities.

Director of Education Extra Baroness Andrews, said: "We have received more than 1,100 applications for the awards this year.

"This clearly demonstrates the important role out-of-school-hours learning plays in extending new opportunities to pupils and raising attainment.

"The schools that have won Education Extra awards are shining examples of some of the best practice in the field and we are delighted to be able to support their efforts."