Ditton Community Centre in Widnes has won a national accolade.

The centre in Dundalk Road has received the best performer award from the Association of Public Service Excellence.

The award was in the civic, cultural and community venues category which benchmarks facilities from across the country and compares their performance and how efficient the service is run.

Halton Cllr Phil Harris, board member for community centres, said: “This is great news for the centre, its staff and the council.

“It shows the continuous improvement at the centre in providing a wide range of activities in a vibrant welcoming environment.

“Our community centres are well used with approximately 300,000 visits per year at Castlefields, Ditton, Grangeway, Murdishaw and Upton.

“With the challenging times faced by the council, ensuring effective use of these centres and serving communities well is important to sustain them in the future.

“Well done to the staff and community of Ditton Community Centre. They should be proud of this national achievement, as is the Council.”

The centre won a most improved performer award in 2009 recognising the centre and staff’s achievements in delivering a wide range of activities for the community.