Top rating for NSC in UK awards

The National Sports Centre has been officially recognised as one of the best sport and recreation facilities in the British Isles.

The complex is independently assessed every two years under the QUEST quality scheme, in which around 1,000 similar facilities participate.

After a two-day assessment it's been listed in the 'excellent' category.

Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure David Cretne, whose department runs the NSC, says it's a just reward for the team who work tirelessly to ensure their services are of the highest order.

He says the centre is the envy of communities all over Britain, but the real satisfaction in being recognised is knowing that the facilities offered by NSC staff make a genuine and positive difference to people's lives.