THREE Huddersfield schools have been recognised for their commitment to improving children's basic skills.

Rawthorpe St James' Infant School, St John's C of E Junior and Infant School at Golcar and Spring Grove Junior, Infant and Nursery School at Springwood have all received the Basic Skills Quality Mark.

The award is given by the Basic Skills Agency to schools which meet 10 criteria for improving pupils' literacy and numeracy skills.

Inspectors visited the schools to judge whether they were up to scratch.

St John's CE Junior and Infant School was receiving the award - which lasts for three years - for the second time.

The school first received it in 2002.

Headteacher Kathryn Benford said: "Initially we had to work quite hard to get the award. But now it is a case of ensuring we maintain standards."

Rawthorpe St James' and Spring Grove received the award for the first time.

Spring Grove headteacher Bibi Laher said the school was already meeting the 10 criteria, but wanted to make it official.

She added: "On all the criteria we had glowing reports.

"The standard was already there, but we just wanted it to be verified.

"I'm pleased, because it is lovely to recognise that the teachers and students are doing a good job - and improving."