FOUR local schools have brought home the beacon.

Heaton Park Primary School and St Michael's RC Primary School in Whitefield, Parrenthorn High School and St Monica's RC High School in Prestwich have all been designated as Beacon Schools.

These are schools which have been identified by the Government as being among the best in the country and which set an example to other schools.

Beacon Schools offer advice on a wide range of areas covering all aspects of school life, including specific subjects, teachers' professional development, pupil monitoring, school management and provision for gifted and talented children. Each of the schools will receive additional funding of around £35,000 a year.