GORSE Hill Infants School is one of the first schools in the country to receive a new computing award.

The new Information and Computer Technology (ICT) quality mark recognises schools who can demonstrate they use computers to support pupils during their day-to-day learning.

And headteacher Sue Kershaw is thrilled her school has gained this national recognition.

"It recognises our approach to ICT and the positive impact that it is having on our school as a whole," she said.

In order to gain the new award the school had to demonstrate that it met criteria focusing on pupils' progress in ICT capability, the impact of ICT on attitudes and behaviour and pupils' progress.

Neil McLean, executive director of educational practice at the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency said: "Gorse Hill Infants School thoroughly deserves this accolade.

"They clearly demonstrate how important it is to take a holistic approach to using ICT in a school.

"By doing this, their investment in new technologies has contributed to improvements in learning."