A leisure centre in Watford has been nationally recognised for its services.

Quest, Sport England’s national quality scheme, tested Watford Leisure Centre Woodside through a mystery visit and a two-day assessment, awarding it an ‘Excellent’ rating.

Karl Miles, Everyone Active’s Contract Manager for Watford, said: "We are very proud, and I want to take this opportunity thank our superb team again for their on-going hard work."

Only 62 centres have achieved the excellent rating out of 659 assessed under the Quest Scheme.

Watford mayor, Dorothy Thornhill said: "This is testament to the excellent relationship the council has with Everyone Active and reflects the enormous dedication of staff."

Woodside, operated by Everyone Active in partnership with Watford Borough Council, celebrated their achievement by launching a month-long charity campaign on September 9.

Everyone Active will be running activity challenges at all their centres around the country to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Trust, which raises awareness of blood cancer.

Each week there will be a different exercise. The initiative will continue until October 11.

In the first challenge, running until September 16, participants will be challenged to cycle, run and row at least 1km on each activity. Members and guests will also be challenged to swim the most amount of lengths in 30 minutes.

Each participant will be entered into a prize draw to win three months free membership.

Mr Miles said: "We are going to do everything we can to raise as much money as possible for those suffering from blood disease and their families."