HAMBLETON District Council’s four leisure centres have been branded 'excellent' by the national quality assessment scheme, Quest.

It marks the first time all four have achieved this status together.

During a two-day assessment and a mystery visit at each centre, key service areas were assessed including customer experience, health and safety, and community outcomes.

The assessor interviewed staff and customers, before evaluating findings and awarding all the centres an “excellent” banding.

Quest is the UK quality scheme for sport and leisure, designed to promote high industry standards, good practice and continuous improvement focused on the customer.

Steven Lister, director for leisure and communities, said: “With Quest setting the industry standard for leisure facilities across the UK, the award gives both credibility to our centres and confidence to our customers that they will receive a high quality experience.”

Councillor Bridget Fortune, cabinet member for leisure, added: "This is the first time that all four of our leisure centres have all achieved ‘excellent’ status, so we are absolutely delighted.

"It is great for our dedicated and hard working staff across all the centres to receive this much deserved recognition. The award demonstrates Hambleton District Council’s commitment to the continued improvement of facilities that we are able to offer to residents.”