ST. Patrick's Primary School, in Lochgelly, has been recognised with a prestigious national award for innovation and achievement in delivering physical education and extra-curricular sport.

The sportscotland Gold School Sport Award was presented to staff and pupils at a special assembly on Friday.

The School Sport Award is a national initiative that is designed to encourage schools to continuously improve the quality and quantity of physical education and school sport opportunities. They also encourage the sporting links between schools and the communities around them.

There are currently 158 Gold Schools, 281 Silver and 92 Bronze across Scotland. St. Patrick's is one of only two Fife schools awarded gold this year.

Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, said: “I would like to congratulate all of the staff and pupils at St. Patrick's for putting quality physical education and school sport at the heart of the school.

"They should be proud of this fantastic achievement. We are building a world-class sporting system for everyone, and a crucial part of that is putting young people at the centre of our efforts. Working with our partners in local authorities and governing bodies of sport, we are creating closer links between physical education, school sport and club sport, which benefits young people by providing more and better opportunities to take part in sport.”

McKinlay (P7), who is a member of the school's sports committee added: "There are lots of activities for pupils at St. Patrick's and many new clubs have been set up. I like sport as it keeps you fit and this award shows other people how good a school we are".

St. Patrick's has taken part in a wide range of sporting opportunities over the year, such as sports tasters sessions, festivals and competitions, including rugby, golf, athletics, football, gymnastics, dance, netball, a parent and child running club and football.

To achieve a bronze or silver sportscotland School Sport Award, schools self assess their current practice. However, to gain gold status an extensive external assessment is also carried out by an independent panel of experts. The award helps ensure that quality physical education and school sport is at the heart of each school and its wider community.

They will also encourage schools to ensure there are opportunities for all children and young people to engage, participate and reach their potential in this area.

The Station Road school a few years back saw a new gym block built which has given the children and staff even more scope to develop their activities.