FOUR schools in the area have won national recognition for their commitment to sport in schools.

Portway Junior School in Andover is one of 13 primary schools in Hampshire gaining Activemark status.

John Hanson Community School in Andover, Testbourne Community School in Whitchurch and The Clere School in Burghclere are among 24 secondary schools achieving Sportsmark awards.

To gain Activemark status, schools must show Sport England they have a broad and balanced programme of physical education and ensure sporting activities play an integral part in school life.

They must also show commitment to providing extra training and opportunities for pupils to take part in a wide variety of events such as activity days and tournaments, as well as providing a minimum of one and a half hours of PE curriculum a week.

To gain Sportsmark status, schools must provide the same as the Activemark but also offer extensive out-of-hours sports programmes and include national initiatives to enhance PE programmes.

Gold awards are given to schools who show excellence at every stage of their PE curriculum and activity.

Cllr Don Allen, Hampshire County Council's executive member for education, said: "It is fantastic to see so many schools achieving Activemark and Sportsmark awards.

"This is a credit to the commitment of each school in providing pupils with an environment which actively encourages physical education, as well as giving pupils the opportunity to develop skills in many aspects of sport."

Representatives from the schools received their awards from 1,500 metre athelete and Sport England 'sporting champion' Tom Mayo at a special event in Fareham.