Highgate Infant School, Howard Junior School and South Wootton First School have achieved the Arts Council's highest educational accolade, Gold Artsmark awards.

The awards are designed to recognise schools' commitment to the arts and to inspire lifelong creativity in pupils.

At Lynn's Highgate Infant School, youngsters had fun redesigning and painting a mobile classroom with a wildlife-themed mural.

Headteacher Christine Holden said children, parents and staff also worked with a number of specialists including Nicola Marray-Woods (outdoor art work), Ingelisa Greeves (felt-making), Chris Gutteridge (music), Helen Battelley (dance and drama), Linda Cochyne (art in the community) and Carrie-Ann Read (art with parents).

Mrs Holden thanked the school's specialist art teacher, Emma Stevens, for co-ordinating the school's award application.

At Howard Junior School in Gaywood, headteacher Gregory Hill said he was delighted the school's dynamic arts education programme had been recognised.

"It's an amazing achievement for our school and shows our pupils achieve the highest standards obtainable nationally," said Mr Hill. He paid tribute to the staff for their dedication and involvement.

A highlight of working for the award was the school's involvement in the Go Elephants display in Norwich last year. Howard pupils decorated an elephant sculpture which went on show in Castle Mall in the city and now has pride of place in the school foyer.

The headteacher of South Wootton Primary School, Carol Mahony, said learning through the arts has been a driving force of her career.

Pupils loved the variety and stimulus, which also supported high academic standards.

"They really enjoyed working with arts, musicians, dancers and a performance poet and I'd like to thank all our fantastic staff for their hard work," said Mrs Mahony.

Four other West Norfolk schools have received standard Artsmark awards.

They are Great Dunham Primary School, Hamond's High School/Swaffham College, Hillcrest Primary School in Downham and Ingoldisthorpe Primary School.

Summing up the success of the Artsmark scheme, Mrs Holden said: "Great art inspires us, brings us together and makes life better – and our children love it"