Oswestry Leisure Centre has been named as a finalist at this year’s National Fitness Awards in the category, Local Authority Gym of the Year.

The National Fitness Awards, first staged in 2010, recognise achievement and excellence in the health and fitness industry, with prizes awarded in over 20 categories.

Every year, there are hundreds of nominated sites and individuals, but the judges have chosen just seven finalists for Local Authority Gym of the Year, with the centres competing against Oswestry dotted across the country from Basingstoke to Burnley, Canvey Island to Christchurch.

This is the first time in its history that the centre, which is managed by Shropshire Community Leisure Trust on behalf of Shropshire Council, has made the final in the event, which will be held at Leicester’s Athena venue on Friday 26 November.

Chris Stanbrook, Partnership Manager for Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, said: “Congratulations to the team at Oswestry on making the final at the National Fitness Awards. It’s a great community-focussed centre, which deserves its moment in the sun. “I’ll be over the moon on the 26th if we’re able to bring this prize back to Shropshire!”

Peter Davis, Shropshire Council’s Leisure Services Manager, said: “This is fantastic news and underlines the recent achievements of the centre staff team and the Trust’s managing agent Serco Leisure. Having been involved in the design and development of Oswestry Leisure Centre and seen the health and fitness provision improve dramatically since the beginning of the council’s partnership with the Trust, I have my fingers firmly crossed for success next month.”

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Transport, added: “Oswestry Leisure Centre is an excellent facility and I’m so pleased that it and, most importantly, the staff who run it have been recognised in this way. I wish them the very best of luck next month.”

In partnership with Serco Leisure and on behalf of Shropshire Council, Shropshire Community Leisure Trust manages Market Drayton Swimming Pool, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Shrewsbury Sports Village and The Quarry Swimming Pools. For more information about all of the trust’s centres and what they’ve got to offer, visit the website: https://www.shropshireleisurecentres.com/

Pictured: Left to right: Su Lantos, Jack Brierley, Lisa Harmer, Chloe Williams.