AN East Lancashire school is one of only five in the county to strike gold in a national sports award scheme.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn has received coveted Sportsmark Gold status from Sport England in recognition of its "outstanding commitment to physical education and sports provision."

Former England and West Ham star Trevor Brooking, who chairs Sport England, said: "QEGS recognises the value of physical activity, not just in terms of health and fitness education, but also how it can help pupils to achieve in other subjects."

QEGS is one of just 50 schools across the country to receive the Sportsmark Gold status this year. It first achieved the gold standard, which is valid for three years, in 1999.

The school won the Independent Schools FA Cup in 2001 for the second time, and has a long record of links with local sporting clubs, in particular a strong relationship with the Blackburn Rovers Academy for young players. In recent years the academy has taken two former QEGS pupils under its wing. Andrew Bell is now an England Youth international and James Beattie, formerly with Rovers, is now at Premiership club Southampton.

Rovers star David Dunn turned up to present the award.

The school has also forged links with Lancashire County Cricket Club and the East Lancashire club, Blackburn Rugby Club and the Blackburn Dolphins Swimming Club.

QEGS headmaster Dr David Hempsall said: "The renewal of our status as one of the few Sportsmark Gold schools in the North West gives us a great sense of achievement."