ST PAUL'S CE Primary School has become the first in York to be given an Active Mark Award for promoting physical education.

The award, which has been given to just over 100 schools nationally, recognises the school's ability to provide a good physical education curriculum.

The school's numerous sports clubs and ability to provide a balanced amount of physical education with limited facilities were given as evidence for the award.

Teacher Siobhan Stepney, who put in the application, said physical education and promoting a health lifestyle were very important.

She said: "Children are likely to play on computer games so it is important for them to get involved in physical education. It is also important for social skills to teach them how to take part in team games."

The school will officially be given the award early next year.

Updated: 10:39 Wednesday, December 04, 2002