THE HIGH standards at Basingstoke Gymnastic Club have impressed two important national sporting authorities in recent weeks.

After a year of hard work in putting together their application and submission, the club have received the Gym Mark from the British Gymnastic Association (BGA) and Sport England's Club Mark accreditations.

Joy Payne, general manager of the club, said the awards were the equivalent of a British standards kite mark.

"We are one of only two gymnastic clubs in the south of England - and the only one in our region - to have reached the necessary standards passed by both Sport England and the British Gymnastic Association," she said.

The local gym club were one of the first clubs to challenge for the coveted national awards in a pilot scheme.

Mrs Payne was invited to the BGA annual awards ceremony, held at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham, to receive a plaque in recognition of the achievement.

Earlier this year, Basingstoke Gym Club became club of the year at Gazette Sports Awards.

"These awards reflect years of hard work by staff, volunteers, coaches, gymnasts and sponsors to meet the high standards demanded within sport today," said Mrs Payne.

"The latest awards cover all aspects of club life - from health and safety, child protection, codes of conduct to coaching programmes, awards, competitions, employees, volunteers and social events.

"It is sport's equivalent of British standards and will be an essential requirement when any sport organisation applies for funding and sponsorship.

"The club's work is now used as a benchmark for others to aspire to and has laid sound foundations to ensure the move to new premises at Houndmills during 2005 is as smooth as possible."

The gym club are willing to pass on the benefit of their experience from Club Mark to help other local clubs considering similar applications.

For more information, telephone 01256 398421 or e-mail info@basingstokegym.co.uk