MATRAVERS School is celebrating once again after being awarded specialist arts college status.

The Westbury school heard they had been successful in their bid from the Department of Education and Skills on Wednesday.

The school was first awarded specialist art status in 2001 but had to reapply for the extra funding.

Over the last five years the school has qualified as one of the top 500 specialist schools in the country. Deputy head Mary Salisbury, who oversaw the re-bidding process, said the re-designation was a chance to provide better opportunities for both students and those in partner primary schools.

Headteacher Chris Dark said: "This is a superb achievement and recognition of the hard work of staff and students alike. It will bring real benefits for the young people of Westbury and the community as a whole."