A LEISURE centre has been praised for involving children and young people in decision making.

Durham County Council’s Coxhoe Leisure Centre gained the Investing in Children (IiC) award.

Centre manager Sean Readman said: "We showed that staff at the leisure centre want to hear the voice of young leisure users from the local area.

"This means the activities at the centre are what the young people in the community want to see."

Last year, Meadowfield and Sherburn leisure centres gained the award.

Councillor Bob Young, the council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: "I’m really pleased that another leisure centre in County Durham has achieved this award.

"Coxhoe Leisure Centre provides a safe, fun and rewarding environment for young leisure users in the area."

The council has set itself the goal of achieving IiC status for all its leisure centres.