YOUNGSTERS in Kingswinford are celebrating after their school scooped official recognition for leading the way in hi-tech learning.

St Mary's CE Primary School, Queen Street, collected a prestigious ICT Mark from a government body responsible for promoting the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in Britain's schools and colleges.

The award, from the British Education Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA), came after an extensive inspection of the school's use of computers in both administration and teaching.

School head, Brian Jones, said: "We are delighted to be awarded the ICT Mark. It recognises our positive approach to ICT and the benefits it is bringing to our children.

"We believe that ICT can be used in every aspect of learning and that it is essential our children are equipped for the modern world."

Neil McLean, executive director for educational practice at BECTA, said: "St Mary's thoroughly deserve the accolade of an ICT mark.

"Their investment in new technology has contributed to substantial improvements in learning".