THE Sports Centre has provided first-class fitness facilities for the people of Basingstoke and Deane for 34 years - and now its service to the people has been rewarded with a top honour.

The centre was one of the first multi-purpose sports centres to open in the UK and has played a vital role in making sure Basingstoke is a healthy place to live.

The centre is run by a charity trust and the staff are proud of its achievements over the years.

Since it opened, 40,000 people have learned to swim and the centre is now used more than 12,000 times each week.

Scholarships are awarded to many local athletes and the centre is particularly keen to encourage youngsters to get fit and stay fit.

The centre has also worked hard to help rehabilitate patients with heart disease and works closely with the Alton Cardiac Rehab Centre.

Chief executive Steve Combes said the Healthy Category winner's award was the perfect reward for all the staff's hard work.

He said: "It's really good. It's great that our role is appreciated and the award recognises what we have done for the last 34 years.

"It is a credit to the staff involved, particularly the guys involved with the cardiac rehab and GP referral programme. It has been ground-breaking work and some of the first in the UK."

Nearly £2million was recently spent on the centre as part of a massive refurbishment that has opened up a range of new opportunities for customers of all ages.

Article first published on Thursday, April 1, 2004