AN athletics club is celebrating after winning a coveted Clubmark for its efforts to get youngsters involved in sport.

Derwentside Athletics Club has worked with Derwentside Council's sports development team to develop a junior section over the past two years.

It has won funding for equipment and been involved in a district-wide schools coaching programme, holiday activities and an athletics festival for primary schools.

The England Athletics Clubmark recognises the club's commitment to be a safe, effective, child-friendly organisation.

Club chairman Brian Buckley said: "It has been a lot of hard work, and I would like to thank Derwentside Leisure Services and the Louisa Centre staff for their contributions to the club over the past two years.

"We would also like to thank David Lowes, athletics development officer for Durham Sport, the committee and the coaches from Derwentside Athletic Club for all their hard work in helping the club to achieve the Clubmark status and for their continuing support.

"All the members of the club hope that this will be just the start of good things for the future of the club.

Derwentside District Councillor Anne Taylor, who presented the Clubmark award, said: "It is a fantastic achievement for Derwentside Athletics Club and I'm delighted to be presenting this award to recognise all the hard work and dedication the club has put in to accomplish a safe, effective and child-friendly club.

"It's fantastic to see such good partnership working between Derwentside Sports Development and Derwentside Athletics Club and I hope this continues to achieve more success.''