TRAFFORD'S Key Stage Two results fell sharply this year - but the borough still finished third in the region in the Government's league tables.

The 4.8 per cent fall in the number of pupils attaining Level Four in their exams was the largest fall in Greater Manchester.

However, the borough's results in the three key areas - English, maths and science - all exceeded the national averages. Only Bury and Stockport bettered Trafford's results in the region.

Park Road Primary School in Timperley topped Trafford's league table, with 98 per cent of pupils reaching Level Four in all three areas. Its overall points score was 293, putting it level with Davyhulme's St Mary's Primary School at the top of the league.

The school's headteacher, Nick Carr, said: "We're delighted. The governors, teachers and children have all worked very hard - it's been a team effort. We also have a set of parents who support the things we do.

"The good results are due to the work we've done over a number of years. We've put things in place which have helped us deliver a good service to the children."

Elmridge Primary School in Hale Barns came third in the table, building on its steady improvement over the past four years with a total score of 291.

It was level with Oldfield Brow Primary School, where pupils proved last year's results were no fluke. They had a 100 per cent success rate in maths and science.

And St Mary's C of E Primary School in Sale, which became the first school in Trafford to score the maximum 300 points last year, maintained its high standards with a score of 289 this year.