Aylesford Bulls Rugby Club have been awarded the RFU’s prestigious Seal of Approval award.

The Seal of Approval identifies a club as meeting the highest standards in providing a safe, effective and child-friendly environment for young people to learn and enjoy rugby. It is awarded in association with Sport England and the Clubmark scheme.

The Bulls are the first club in the Maidstone area to be accredited by the RFU, following a season-long process.

The Bulls have a thriving mini and youth section with more than 350 children involved in age groups from under-7 to under-18, which also includes several girls’ teams.

Club chairman Roger Williams said: "It was very important to the club to attain this award. There is a great interest in rugby in this area and the Seal of Approval from the RFU proves to our community that we are a club with its best interests at heart."