SCHOOLS have been rewarded for transforming themselves into inclusive environments where children and families feel safe whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity.

LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) charity Educate & Celebrate has awarded 18 County Durham schools best practice status.

Founder Elly Barnes hosted an awards event with Phil Hodgson, strategic lead support and development at Durham County Council, and Cllr Tracie Smith at North Durham Academy, in Stanley, on Wednesday, April 27.

Ms Barnes said: "We need to be certain that when children and young people come into schools what they're coming into is something safe, secure and non threatening, they can be who they want to be, they are not going to be challenged, questioned or ridiculed about their sexual orientation or gender identity. "

Recipients were Acre Rigg Academy, Broom Cottages Primary, Catchgate Primary, Etherley Lane Primary, Ferryhill Business & Enterprise College, Greenfield Community College, Hamsterley Primary, Howletch Primary, Hutton Henry Primary, Kirk Merrington Primary, North Durham Academy, North Park Primary, Shincliffe Primary, Shotton Hall Academy, Shotton Hall Primary, Silver Tree Primary, Toft Hill Primary and West Cornforth Primary Schools.

She said staff, students, parents and governors had worked with the charity so more pupils and potentially all children are emotionally safe and secure.

Mr Hodgson said for the past year all schools have worked towards combatting homophobia, biphobia and transphobia which has included updating policies in line with the Equality Act 2010 and broadening their curriculum to ensure that LGBT+ inclusive material is mainstreamed.