TWO Cheshire West schools have been shortlisted for top regional honours.

Saughall All Saints Primary School and Neston High School have been highlighted in this year's Educate Awards.

The primary school has been nominated for the Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Primary School Award.

Sports, physical activity, healthy lifestyles and emotional well-being are at the heart of the school and children are constantly given opportunities to take part in sport and are actively encouraged to make healthy choices.

This year, Ofsted recognised that the extra-curricular sporting opportunities on offer was a strength of the school.

Neston High School, meanwhile, has been shortlisted for the Spirit of Enterprise Award – a category which looks for schools that encourage pupils to develop awareness and an understanding of entrepreneurship across the curriculum.

The school uses enterprise activities to bring parts of the business studies course to life. Students are encouraged to work as teams and solve problems for real-life opportunities.

From organising parties for senior citizens to running a small business, students have shown entrepreneurial traits that will help them through life.

The Educate awards, in partnership with Copyrite Systems and Ricoh, is now in its seventh year and is the largest education awards in the North West.

From inspiring teachers, superb support staff to innovative projects across the curriculum, the awards recognises the work of schools and colleges which are delivering outstanding education and helping students achieve their full potential.

Since launching in Liverpool in 2012, the awards has grown rapidly, now recognising schools and colleges right across the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Commenting on the shortlist, Kim O'Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: "We are delighted to finally reveal the shortlist ahead of the awards ceremony in November. This year's shortlist includes schools and colleges from all across the region.

"The awards recognise the arts, careers, sport, literacy, STEM and so much more – we believe it's so important to celebrate all aspects of school life and champion the teachers and school support stars who bring learning to life!

"Many congratulations and good luck to the shortlisted schools in the area."

In total there are 21 award categories, from School Support Star of the Year to Outstanding Commitment to Sport.

The winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony, which takes place on Friday, November 16 at Liverpool Cathedral.