STAFF at Stourport Sports Centre are celebrating after being short-listed for a prestigious award recognising help they have given to a disabled Kidderminster man.

Workers are keeping their fingers crossed after being nominated in the Health and Wellbeing category of the National Deafblind Friendly Corporate Awards.

They will find out if they have been successful at a special ceremony, organised by the charities Sense and Deafblind UK, in London on Tuesday.

Mark Taylor, who has used the centre in Harold Davies Drive for 20 years, said he nominated the facility as a thank-you.

The 45-year-old explained: "I have had trouble in the past because of my disability when I have used other pools.

"I decided to write in and put forward the centre because all the staff are so helpful. They just go the extra mile to try and make my experience as enjoyable as possible.

"Their help does not stop when I leave the pool. They lead me to the changing area and even walk with me to my bus stop at the end of the road."

Mr Taylor, who also uses the gym facilities, has been given his own lane in the pool which means he no longer has to fear causing himself an injury by colliding with other people or the pool walls.

Damian Watts, general manager at the centre, said: "We are all really proud of this achievement and are grateful to Mark for nominating us because it shows we are doing something right.

"Every success we have is down to a fantastic team effort and spirit. We all pull together to try to deliver the best service for all of our customers."