TWO St Helens primary schools earned a special mention in the annual Ofsted report.

Eccleston Mere and St Peter's CE, Newton-le-Willows were among schools from across the country which had outstanding inspection reports and performed well academically.

It is the second time that Eccleston Mere Primary has been mentioned in an Ofsted report. Head teacher Philip Friend said: "We are very pleased to receive this recognition by Ofsted and it reflects the tremendous hard work and dedication of all the staff. governors, parents, and the community also provide us with enormous support and encouragement.

"We are delighted with the progress our children make and were particularly pleased with a quote from Ofsted which said 'all staff provide excellent role models for pupils and the school does everything in its power to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential in terms of both academic and personal development.'

"We also receive excellent support from the council's Education Department and would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making our school a success."

Mrs Barbara Horsfall, head teacher of St Peters CE Primary, said: "We are delighted that our hard work and the quality education we provide have been recognised by Ofsted.