WYCOMBE District Council's sports development unit has been awarded the prestigious Quest Quality Award for Sport and Leisure.

The unit is only the third non-pilot council in the country to achieve the national award which is given in recognition of excellence in quality systems coupled with a commitment to continuous improvement.

District councillor Bill Bendyshe-Brown said: "We are delighted not only to receive this prestigious Quest Quality Award but also to be only the third non-pilot council in the country to achieve this level of quality."

The sports development unit completed a questionnaire on its policies and strategies, had to evaluate itself critically and was visited by an assessor, before receiving the prestigious award.

Cllr Bendyshe-Brown added: "We have always had a long-standing commitment to sport for young people in the district and we are delighted that our achievements have been recognised nationally.

"May congratulations go to the members of the team for their professionalism."

The award, which is run by The Sports Council of Great Britain, is valid for two years and an interim assessment will have to be carried out to ensure the unit is committed to continuous improvement.