TOP marks and merit stars go to the youngsters in Blackburn and Darwen primary schools who starred in the school tests, beating an improved national average by miles. And, well done, teachers, too!

For it is most encouraging that educational standards, so often on the slide in the past, are now seen by the nationwide results of the tests to be improving, with seven out of ten pupils - five per cent more than last year - reaching the required level in English and a ten per cent rise in those making the grade in maths.

This is proof that the government's drive to improve basics was right and that the stimulus of the school tests is as necessary as it is beneficial.

There must be no wavering now from those yardsticks - as a proper basic education is essential for every child and every child's right.

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