A recent independent review by Quest, the UK quality scheme for sport and leisure, has given the Hounslow community sports development team, part of Fusion Lifestyle, an emphatic seal of approval, awarding them a Highly Commended result for their services.

 The assessment carried out in June was based on best practice principles set by Quest on behalf of Sport England, and covered areas such as work in facilities with target groups, support of the voluntary sports sector and work with the local CSPAN and related partnerships in education and health.

The sports development team, managed by Fusion Lifestyle for the London Borough of Hounslow, were rated highly for all areas of their work, receiving an overall score of 79 per cent.

 Quest Sports Development manager, Paul Brivio, said of the results: "The sports development service in Hounslow is a model of good practice in the capital. The team's work around school and youth sport is highly valued by partners, and they work very effectively to ensure that new sports opportunities are provided that reach the whole of the community.

 "This work is critical to the success of legacy planning around the Olympics and the sports development team play a vital role in aiming to secure long lasting participation benefits in the borough."

 The report highlighted in particular the broad range of sport, physical activity and health related services that are provided to local residents, given the relatively small size of the team, and praised the effective partnership work undertaken with local schools and health providers. The sports development team was also commended for their enthusiasm and commitment and for going "above and beyond" in their work.

 The sports development team works across 14 different leisure and community centres in the Borough of Hounslow, and are dedicated to improving levels of participation in sports and fitness across the borough by providing better access and opportunities to all members of the community.

 Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Hounslow's cabinet member for leisure and public health, said: "Providing a leisure service is a lot more than just providing facilities and expecting people to use them, it's about engaging with the community and getting people active, fitter and ultimately healthier. Our fantastic Quest score shows that our partnership with Fusion Lifestyle delivers so much more than just great leisure centres."

 Fusion Lifestyle, who provide sports and leisure management services throughout the South East and Greater London area have gained Quest accreditation at over 25 of their centres to date and are committed to a programme of continual assessment.