Three of the Borough's leisure centres have won prestigious national awards for excellence. Ripley Leisure Centre, William Gregg VC Leisure Centre in Heanor and Alfreton Leisure centre have all achieved a Quest rating of 'excellent'. Only seven awards of their kind have been awarded in the UK.

Quest assessments are given for the quality of sport and leisure schemes delivered in partnership with Sports England.

Councillor Chris Short, Cabinet Member for Active and Healthier Places to Live, said: "Top quality leisure facilities are extremely important for a healthy and active community. It's fantastic to see that three of our leisure centres have scored so highly in the Quest assessment, especially as there are only seven centres in the whole of the UK to have achieved this new higher level award. We'd like to thank DC Leisure, who operates the facilities on our behalf, for all their hard work and success."

Steve Philpott Chief Executive of DC Leisure said "As the largest operator of Leisure Centres in the UK, we are exceptionally proud that Amber Valley are the first multi site contract in the Country to achieve the 'excellent' grade for all 3 sites in their recent Quest quality assessment. This National Leisure Industry Award demonstrates the quality in depth of our Amber Valley team who strive for excellence, provide the best customer service and the highest standards of facility presentation at every opportunity. Combining this local approach with the full implementation of our company Quality Management Systems and close partnership working with Amber Valley Borough Council has resulted in this wonderful accolade'.

The three leisure centres were opened in 2008 as part of a £22 million PFI project which included the demolition and rebuilding of each site. Amber Valley Borough Council partnered with DC Leisure to manage and operate each site.

For further information please contact Luke Barrett Communications Manager on 01773 841 655 or email luke.barrett@ambervalley.gov.uk