A leisure centre has been awarded an ‘outstanding status’ following a mystery inspection.

Watford Leisure Centre Central was given a thorough assessment by Quest, Sport England’s leading national quality scheme.

This included mystery visits and a two-day on-site assessment to evaluate all aspects of operations and management.

And after passing the tests, the leisure centre has been recognised for outstanding services - the second time it has done so.

It is also one of two in the whole country to have achieved the ranking since reopening after the UK lockdown.

Watford Leisure Centre Central is managed by Everyone Active in partnership with the Borough Council.

Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are really pleased to have been recognised by Quest.

“It’s great that local people can rest assured they will be getting the best service when they use our facilities.”

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor added: “This is great news and shows that we have some of the best leisure facilities in the country within our town.

“I would like to thank the staff at Everyone Active who are fantastic partners to work with, and this award is testament to the great job the staff do to help us all keep fit and healthy.

“It is so important that we can continue to invest in our leisure centres to ensure we continue to provide first class affordable facilities for people in our town.”