AN infants' school has been named as one of only 425 to be awarded Beacon status as from September 2001.

It came as a complete surprise for everyone connected with St John's CE Infants School, in Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, when it was included in the Department for Education and Skills list last week.

Now Leigh MP Andy Burnham has praised the school for its achievement.

He said: "All of the teachers and children at St John's should take great pride from achieving this national award. It's a real honour not only for for the school but also for Leigh."

The new status means the school will receive about £30,000 extra funding to develop further and to help advise other schools.

The school's areas of expertise include the early years scheme, particularly the involvement of parents, and literacy.

Headteacher Lillian Worthington said: "We are very excited about the achievement. It will greatly raise the profile of St John's."

There are plans to publicise the award, beginning with an official launch along with other Beacon schools later in the year.