A SCHOOL is celebrating retaining an award for commitment to the arts for the second year running.

Hextable School, Egerton Avenue, Hextable, is one of 1,161 schools across the England to have achieved an Arts Council Artsmark.

The award recognises commitment to arts education in subjects as diverse as dance, drama, photography, sculpture and art and design.

Headteacher Peter Dalton said: "I am delighted the Arts Council has recognised our continuing commitment to the arts.

"The award is recognition of the school's hard work and drive to ensure a well-balanced arts education programme."

The Artsmark encourages schools to improve opportunities for students to get involved with the arts and to involve the community at the same time.