YORK schools were given top awards for providing a high quality of teaching in reading, writing and numeracy.

The director of the basic skills agency, Alan Wells, visited Clifton Without Junior, Clifton Green, Dunnington and Osbaldwick primary schools on Friday to present the Basic Skills Agency's Quality Mark awards.

The senior education development adviser for the City of York Council, Gordon Pearce, also went on the visits.

The headteacher of Osbaldwick Primary School, Lesley Barringer, said: "We are over the moon to have been given the award.

"We are very proud for all the children parents and staff."

At Clifton Without Junior School children took part in an assembly to celebrate being given the award.

Headteacher, Chris Wigley, said: "We were bowled over to get the award.

"It was a lot of work as you have to have significant evidence to prove you meet the criteria."

Updated: 09:06 Wednesday, March 26, 2003