A school that last year gained a top award for its work in improving football has been honoured in a similar way for his efforts to develop rugby.

There were cheers from players in both codes yesterday when the latest accolade was announced for Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle.

The school became the first in the county, and only the second in the North, to be given the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) development school award for its work on the sport.

It is the highest honour that can be given to schools by the RFU.

It is awarded for the teaching and development of rugby, coupled with efforts to develop the sport in primary schools and the encouragement of healthy lifestyles in the community.

Matt Brian, regional RFU development officer, said: "We are delighted with the work Teesdale School is doing to drive rugby forward. Their application for the award is one of the strongest I have appraised."

Pupils have been coached by teachers Carl Lander and Martin Yeoman, who play for Barnard Castle and Knaresborough respectively.

Mr Lander said: "I am very proud of our efforts to step up our rugby efforts, and of the huge support we get from the students. I hope we can use this recognition to further develop the sport for our students.

"We want to build even stronger ties with Barnard Castle Rugby Club for the benefit of the whole community.

"The award shows that we are already following best practice. It particularly recognises the development and drive in our community coaching programme."

The school gained the Football Association's charter mark last year for its efforts to encourage and improve the standard of football among its pupils and the community.