SPORT is top of the agenda at two Dorset schools that have won national awards for physical education.

All Saints Church of England School, Sunnyside Road, Wyke Regis, and St Osmund's Church of England Middle School, Barnes Way, Dorchester, have been presented Sportsmark Gold Awards.

The awards recognise excellence in PE and sports provision and are the most prestigious made by Sport England, which promotes sport around the country.

To gain Sportsmark Gold schools must offer an average of 100 minutes' PE time every week within the curriculum. A range of sports must be offered, such as dance, athletics, swimming, gymnastics and outdoor adventure sports.

At least 30 percent of pupils for every year should take part in extra-curricular activities and should have the chance to attend recreational clubs and competitions. The school should have links with sports clubs and PE teachers must have qualifications in relevant subjects. Sue Chundley, head of PE at All Saints, said: "We're very pleased. It's the second time we've won the award. The first time was three years ago and it's a huge award to get. There aren't many schools in the country that win it.

"A lot of things come from it. Our PE staff has doubled to four people. We've had other schools ringing us up and asking advice. We've not got the best facilities here and it's down to the tremendous effort of the pupils and the department that we've achieved this.

"PE is important for health reasons but also there's a social side. For the less academic pupils, it's often their forte. It gives them a chance to show themselves in a different way."

Josie Harris, head of PE at St Osmund's, said: "We're delighted. The children were very pleased to be involved in our bid for the award and now they know we've got it, it'll be a real boost."