Three schools in Clydebank have received a gold award from the national agency for sport for this academic year.

The new recipients are St Joseph's RC Primary, Goldenhill Primary and St Stephen's Primary, meaning the number of gold schools in West Dunbartonshire has doubled to six

The sportscotland School Sport Award recognises innovation and achievement in delivering school sport and 17 schools within the local authority have passed with flying colours, achieving either a gold, silver or bronze award.

Charlie Gibson, chairman of West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, said: “We are so proud of the work being done across West Dunbartonshire and pleased that so many schools are achieving under the School Sports Award scheme.

“Our schools work tirelessly to teach children and young people about the importance of health and wellbeing, really putting physical education, physical activity and sport at the heart of the school..”

Gavinburn Primary received the gold award earlier this year, while Carleith, Clydemuir, Kilbowie, Our Lady of Loretto, Linnvale Primary and St Peter the Apostle High School have received the silver award.

To achieve a bronze or silver , schools self-assess their current practice. However, to gain gold status an extensive external assessment is also carried out by an independent panel of experts.

The award is supported by the Active Schools Network, a programme that involves sportscotland working in partnership with local authorities to encourage schools to ensure there are opportunities for all children and young people to engage, participate and reach their potential in this area.

The on-line self-assessment tool supports schools to achieve this by helping them to reflect on their current practice and identify areas for improvement.

Charlie added: "Our Active Schools Coordinators are integral to this success by providing fantastic opportunities for pupils to be active before school, at lunchtimes and after school. They also provide direct support to schools going through the School Sport Awards process."