A local leisure centre has been rated excellent by a national quality scheme.

Larkfield Leisure Centre, in New Hythe Lane, achieved the accolade after an assessment by Sport England’s Quest Plus scheme to rate every aspects of community facilities nationwide.

Areas including the centre’s gym, lifeguarding and equipment received plaudits during a two-year assessment, which included mystery visits and annual reviews.

Martin Guyton, Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust’s chief executive, said: “We are very proud to be recognised as an excellent centre. This is a fantastic achievement and a real team effort.

"Quest is much more than a tick-box exercise; it is an ongoing programme to improve our facility for both staff and customers, and a great way to demonstrate our achievements.”

Quest’s operations director, Caroline Constantine, said: “Quest Plus is a step up from the entry level Quest and as such it is a more demanding process. By meeting the scheme's high standards for excellent centres, Larkfield Leisure Centre has shown its commitment to providing quality facilities and service to its customers.

"In these tough economic times it is more important than ever that local leisure facilities can demonstrate their value, and this process helps them do just that.”