A SQUASH club has become the first in the region to be awarded gold accreditation.

Nunthorpe Squash Club, Guisborough Road, Nunthorpe, won the award from England Squash, the sport's governing body.

The award is given to clubs who have sound management, social events, school and community links, qualified coaches, adult and junior programmes, as well as links to the county and national bodies to develop and promote squash.

The club was also awarded Club of the Year at the Durham and Cleveland awards.

Chairman Brian Duke said: "We are very proud to become a gold accredited club, the first in the North-East as this ratifies what we know about the club, that it has excellent facilities."