A COUNTY Durham leisure centre has achieved a nationally recognised award at its first attempt.

Teesdale Sports Centre has gained Quest accreditation, which is the country's leading award for excellence in service quality within the sports and leisure industry.

The accreditation is based upon an independent external assessment that looks at the centre's operation against 22 criteria, including facility operation, staffing, customer relations, service development and review.

The team at the sports centre worked for a year-and-a- half to get the award.

The achievement has been acknowledged and welcomed by Teesdale District Council and members of the leisure services section.

Mark Ladyman, director of community services, said: "This accreditation confirms the high standards of quality service which the leisure centre provides both to the community and visitors to Teesdale. "