A SECONDARY school's sport department has received national recognition.

Darwen Moorland High School, in Holden Fold, has been awarded the Sportsmark from Sport England -- the organisation which distributes lottery funds and leads the development of sport in the country.

The school had to meet a range of targets to meet the award's criteria, including providing a well-balanced physical education programme, having strong links with the local community and offering a range of opportunities to all students.