STAFF at more than 30 local schools are to get a bonus in their pay packet.

This year's School Achievement Awards were announced yesterday by the Government.

The awards recognise improvements in schools, and reward the staff -- from teachers to caretakers -- with a small cash handout.

Thirty-six local schools were given between £5,000 and £25,000.

Among the winners were the staff at Stoneygate Nursery, on Stoneygate Walk, Preston.

Deputy head Christine Cooper said: "We only found out yesterday morning. This is the third time that we've received this award.

"It rewards staff for their excellent work, and within the school we have about 15 staff who were involved with this award.

"To win we had to send evidence of our achievements, and this particular scheme focused on mathematics."

Stoneygate Nursery was given £4,430 to share among the staff.

On the Governments list are 1,000 schools, including 35 in the Preston area and one in Leyland.

Most schools can enter, but to be in line for the cash, school bosses had to prove that pupil performance had improved since 1999, that performance was better than similar schools, or that the school had come out of special measures over the last two years.

The Government's Department for Education and Skills made the awards.

Other winners included St Mary's Catholic Technology College in Leyland; and in Preston: Tulketh High School; Sherwood Primary School; and Pool House Community Primary School.

David Miliband, the government's schools standard's minister, said: "Success in schools depends on each and every member of staff working together to raise standards. It is right to reward the staff whose work helps pupils to learn and today's awards celebrate their achievement."