An infant school in Bushey has become the first in Hertfordshire to be given recognition for its singing ethos.

Bushey and Oxhey Infant School, in Aldenham Road, was officially named as a platinum singing school by national music programme, Sing Up.

At a special assembly on Thursday morning, attended by Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, the Sing Up Award was handed to teachers Aaron Wanford and Nancy Warwick.

Mr Wanford said: "It has been great to get the children motivated in a range of singing, which they use across the curriculum. It has allowed teachers to have fun with singing, and see how enjoyable it can be for both the children and themselves. We are very proud of our award, and hope that we can support other schools on their journey to receiving the platinum award."

The award makes the school one of just 80 in the country to be handed platinum status - the highest of three ahead of silver and gold.

The school was recognised for "its commitment to the ethos of 100 per cent participation in singing".

A report stated that "singing can be found at the heart of every activity at the school, and pupils are given the opportunity to sing regularly, as soloists in classes and in various group combinations".

The awards are open to primary schools across England, and have been devised by arts education professionals.