Vista Leisure has become the first leisure organisation in the country to receive a prestigious award recognising its work with children and young people.

It has gained national accreditation in Quality in Study Support in recognition of the work the company has been doing in the community and particularly in schools.

The certificate was presented by Linda Leith, on behalf of QISS, to Dave Harcourt, of Community Vista, at a celebration dinner at Priory Fields School on Tuesday night.

Young people who have benefited from the scheme took part in the event, giving demonstrations in making music, exercise and taekwondo.

Youngsters from SN@P - Secondary Not A Problem - showed how they had been helped to make the transition from primary to secondary schools through a series of activities.

Community Vista works with a series of partners, including the district and county councils, primary care trust, Sure Start and the Dover District Schools Sports Partnership, to deliver activities to children and young people in the community.

Priory Fields School head teacher Anne Siggins spoke of the links Priory Fields and the former St Radigund’s and Melbourne primary schools had forged with schools in France.

She also praised the Time To Move It campaign which encourages children to take part in physical activities and plot their progress on the way.

Vista Leisure chief executive Kevin Fordham said community involvement had grown and flourished and people had benefited from the range of activities on offer.