Leisure World in Colchester was ranked in the top three facilities in a national survey.

The centre with its three swimming pools, gym, dry sports facilities, Aqua Springs steam and spa, artificial pitch and Charter Hall scored 75 per cent in the UK Quality Scheme.

The scheme looks at the operation of facilities, customer care, staffing and how service is developed and reviewed in public and private sports facilities throughout the country.

Leisure World's general manager Jon Argent said: "We are delighted to receive external validation that the facilities, service and operating systems at Leisure World are among the best in the UK."

He said the scheme operated continuous assessment every nine months with formal visits and mystery customers assessing facilities.

Last time Leisure World scored 69 per cent and Mr Argent said he was delighted by the improvement.

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