FERRYHILL Leisure Centre has gained Quest accreditation, the quality standard for leisure facilities throughout the country.

The aim of the accreditation scheme is to help managers improve the quality and provision of facilities.

Quest is endorsed and financially supported by Sport England and recommended by the British Quality Foundation for self-assessment in sport and leisure organisations.

Ferryhill Leisure Centre staff formed their assessment team and carried out a detailed self-assessment which was sent to Quest. The Quest team then conducted a two-day assessment and announced the accreditation.

Phil Ball, head of Sedgefield Borough Council's leisure services, said: "I am delighted to gain this recognition of quality for our customer services and hope that the lessons learned in this case will enable us to seek accreditation for the borough's three other leisure centres".

For details contact Ferryhill Leisure Centre call (01740) 654123 or for information about the borough's leisure services call (01388) 816166.