STAFF at Stourport Sports Centre are celebrating after receiving a top national award recognising the help they have given to a disabled man who uses their facilities on a regular basis.

The centre was judged to be the best in the health and well-being category at the annual National Deafblind Friendly Corporate Awards after being nominated by Kidderminster man, Mark Taylor.

Mr Taylor, who has used the centre, in Harold Davies Drive, for 20 years decided to put it forward for the award - organised by the charities, Sense and Deafblind UK - after seeing an advertisement in a magazine.

The 45-year-old, who uses the swimming pool five times a week, has been given his own lane and staff even make sure he reaches his bus stop safely after his visits.

He explained: "I think the staff know how important it is for me to swim and exercise.

"They know the sense of well-being and confidence that it gives me and they are happy to help when they can.

"It is the attitude of the staff that makes the Stourport Sports Centre special and they deserve the award."

Damian Watts, general manager at the centre, said: "It is a real honour to receive this award and I would like to thank Mark for taking the time and trouble to nominate us.

"We are all proud that, through a strong team culture, we can enable and assist him to participate in leisure activities that many of us take for granted."