A PRIMARY school's strong links with its neighbouring church were recognised by the presentation of a Church School Partnership Award.

The partnership shared by Sutton Oak Primary School and All Saints’ Church was commemorated with the award handed over by the Venerable Roger Preece, Archdeacon of St Helens and Warrington, celebrating the work of both the school and church in the Sutton area.

The two organisations have joined forces for fundraising activities, celebration services and regularly pray for each other.

Head of key stage two at the school Linda Lewis, who is also responsible for its collective worship and ethos, said: “Few schools gain the Church School Partnership Award – so we are very proud to have done so.

“It shows how we support and encourage each other in many ways, with the children of Sutton Oak feeling that they are a part of the church family and that they value the church’s contribution to school life.

“I worked closely with Reverend Amanda Bruce from All Saints as we identified ways in which we currently work together, but every member of the school community also played a big part in this evidence gathering.”

As part of the celebrations a service was held in the church that included the children’s thoughts on what it means to be a part of the church family.

Each child also wrote down their own views on the partnership – with the work forming a display in the church.