TALES that help to break down the language barrier have won Europe-wide recognition for two schools in Bury.

Pupils from the Derby and Broad Oak High were the only English winners in an awards initiative to bridge the linguistic divide.

Professional storyteller Clive Hopwood helped pupils to gather stories from home which were translated into seven languages, including Chinese, Farsi, Urdu and Albanian.

The scheme was co-ordinated by Bury's curriculum language access service, and saw 29 bilingual books compiled in English and one other language.

The idea was entered into the BMW Group Awards for inter-cultural learning, with an awards ceremony in Munich hosted by the car company.

Head of the service, Linda Tetik, and Derby High English teacher, Sue Burns, were invited to the Bavarian capital. There they picked up second prize for dual language community book projects and a 1,500 euro prize.

Ms Tetik said: "This award recognises the hard work and creativity of Bury's young people working in partnership with their teachers, their families and the wider community.

"The work of these young authors is an inspiration to younger children in Bury schools."

The prize money will used for projects, including a possible internet site.