A LEISURE trust is celebrating winning a quality accolade.

Tees Active, based in Stockton, has been awarded a Charter Mark for its excellent customer service.

The trust was assessed, over several months, against Government criteria, to obtain the recognition.

The assessment ended with a two-day visit to the trust's leisure centres on Teesside.

The inspectors' report said: "Tees Active can be proud of having met the Charter Mark standard with a high level of compliance.

"The service demonstrated exemplary practice in providing substantial, relevant evidence and in co-operating to give access to all areas of provision during its Charter Mark assessment."

Charter Mark is awarded for three years with annual visits to ensure compliance with the standard.

Tees Active is a non-profit distributing leisure trust, operating Active Life centres.

The company took over the management of the leisure centres in May 2004, and employs about 350 staff at Billingham Forum, Splash, Thornaby Pavilion, Stockton Sports Centre, Thornaby Pool, Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre and Arlington Park.

Steven Chaytor, managing director, said: "We always strive to deliver an excellent service to our customers. We are delighted that the Government has recognised Tees Active in this way."