FLINTSHIRE schools celebrated their achievements at a ceremony at Ysgol Gwynedd in Flint.

Both primary and secondary schools from across the region marked sporting success and healthy living on Friday at the third Healthy Schools and Games Association awards.

The celebratory event recognised schools’ achievements in the Healthy Schools Scheme alongside sporting achievements of school teams and individuals across several sports, which have taken place over the past year.

Some of the awards on the day included most promising boy and girl athlete, with Oliver Blaney of Southdown C.P. awarded with the boys’ certificate and Rose Duggan and Abbie Mayers of Drury C.P. and Ysgol Ty Fynnon respectively, while Flintshire Schoolboys under 11s were acknowledged for their achievement having won the Tom Yeoman shield this year.

The outstanding contribution to sport award was handed to Kate Fox-Parry, headteacher at Ysgol Caer Nant in Connah’s Quay.

Mrs Fox-Parry, who is retiring at the end of this year, said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award and I will treasure the wonderful memories and friendships I’ve made in the years I’ve been a part of the Healthy Schools and Games Association.

“Flintshire schools have always played an enormous part in children’s sporting development and many of them have gone on to bigger and better things in sport.

“I’m very proud to have played a part in this sporting development of the pupils in all the years I have been here as Headteacher of the school.’’

The National Quality Award (NQA), the highest award for healthy schools, was given to Ysgol Gwenffrwd in Holywell, Elfed High School in Buckley and Ysgol Derwenfa in Leeswood.

Chair of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Paul Cunningham and Claire Homard, Interim Chief Officer for Education and Youth were on hand to present the children with their awards.

Dewi Wyn Hughes, assistant headteacher at Ysgol Gwynedd, said: “It was a fantastic morning celebrating Flintshire sport and healthy schools. It’s always fantastic to be able to give back to the schools which have contributed so much to promoting sport and healthy living.’’