DEPARTING Mark First School teacher Fiona Robertson bowed out in style as the school secured a top educational honour.

Mrs Robertson left the school to take over as head teacher of Lympsham First School - but not before celebrating the success at Mark.

Staff and pupils have spent two years working towards becoming a Rights Respecting school, an award given by UNICEF to schools which teach children about their rights and responsibilities.

Mark First School was assessed in the summer and was recently told it had passed with flying colours.

Wendy Nelder, head teacher, said: “We are the first school in Somerset to achieve the status and I would like to thank Mrs Robertson, staff, governors, parents and children for all the hard work they have put into working towards this award.”

CROSS-COUNTRY runners from Mark First School are celebrating after winning all four races at a competition held at nearby Hugh Sexey's Middle School.

Schools in the Cheddar Valley area were invited to take part in the races, and talented youngsters from Mark romped home first in every race.

The categories included the years three and four girls and boys' races. The school was awarded the overall winners' cup and trophy. Photo: Jeff Searle