PERDISWELL Leisure Centre has been awarded prestigious accreditation from the English Federation of Disability Sport.

The Bilford Road-based centre has received an Inclusive Fitness Initiative (ICF) mark - the only centre in Worcester to receive one, and one of only seven in the entire West Midlands and 56 nationally.

The IFI is a programme run by the English Federation of Disability Sport and is designed to offer disabled people more choice and opportunities to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.

The IFI has been established for many years, supporting leisure centres to become more welcoming and accessible environments to disabled people.

The IFI mark takes into consideration points such as fitness equipment, accessibility, widening participation opportunities, staff training and marketing and engagement.

The centre was audited and scored well particularly for its extensive disabled parking, full centre wheelchair access, reception area suited to many users - especially those with hearing impairments, dementia and using wheelchairs.

In addition assistance dogs are welcome and for those with visual impairments, colour contrasting themes and areas run through the centre with braille signage throughout.

Rob Tyler, centre manager, said: “We are over the moon to have been formally IFI accredited.

"Freedom Leisure is proud to be delivering high quality, locally-focused services which support our client’s objectives – to enable more people to be more active.

“Among the many comments by the assessors, the one which stood out was that we had helpful, friendly staff who are disability-aware."