Pendle Leisure Trust has won the Inclusive Fitness Initiative’s (IFI) award for Innovation in Inclusive Marketing, for West Craven Sports Centre in Barnoldswick.

The facility achieved IFI accreditation in April 2005 and since then has established close links with disabled groups and community organisations, encouraging use of the centre through free trial sessions and personal tours.

Phil Storey, chief executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, said: “We are happy to break the national trend and boost disabled sporting participation by programming innovative and stimulating sessions managed by fully trained and dedicated fitness instructors.

“To win the award is a fantastic acknowledgement of the great work and dedication shown by every member of staff at West Craven Sports Centre.”

The trust’s executive manager for operations, Sue Slater, added: “We employed a dedicated Inclusive Activator who has spent the past 18 months building relationships in the disabled community and has spread the word to encourage disabled individuals to participate in sports.”

Last year, the trust also won The Big Difference Award 2006 and Active: The ILAM Health and Physical Activity Recognition Programme for its work in the local community. Details: www.inclusivefitness.org