WIDNES Vikings have won a prestigious award for their ground-breaking work in the community.

The rugby club and its charity foundation, The Vikings Sports Foundation, received the Contribution To Sector Development Award at the 3rd Sector Care Awards.

This honour recognises organisations that have developed innovations that have helped to shape the care sector.

It marked both the impact of the programmes that the Vikings have created as well as how the club has shared its insight with senior figures in the world of health and sport.

Vikings chief executive officer James Rule was also a finalist in the Making a Difference category in recognition of his commitment to promoting sport as a catalyst for creating social inclusion and opportunity.

The 3rd Sector Care Awards celebrate excellence in the non-profit care and support sector.

They were hosted in London last week by TV star and charity campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen.

Widnes Vikings were described at the event as being ‘one of the UK’s leaders in delivering social change through sport’.

Judges at the event said: “Widnes Vikings represent a great example of how the care sector needs to change.

“The initiatives they have developed have enabled the club to make a real difference to the lives of local people.

“They work across so many areas, from maternity and childhood obesity, through to supporting people with learning disabilities, mental health concerns and dementia. The organisation is the healthy heart of its local community.

“We are impressed by how they have been able to draw together partners for the benefit of the community, touching the lives of countless people through education, health awareness and sport. They are also committed to helping other organisations learn from their approaches.”

James Rule, chief executive officer of Widnes Vikings, said: “It was an incredible honour for the Vikings to collect the Contribution to Sector Development Award.

“As a club we have a genuine commitment to making a difference to the lives of local people.

“Our community programmes have welcomed new supporters into the Vikings family, strengthened the connection people feel for their local club, and brought investment into the Vikings.

“To have the impact and innovation of our work recognised by some of the most influential figures in the care sector was a genuine privilege.

“I was surprised and delighted to find out that I had been shortlisted for the Making A Difference Award.

“As a CEO of a sports organisation, to feature alongside people who have created and delivered genuinely life-changing work was a true honour.

“I would like to thank the club’s staff, particularly Richard Munson our community and commercial director as well as our players and partners, who make all of our efforts possible.”

Richard Munson, commercial and community director, said: “It was an honour for the Vikings Sport Foundation to be recognised at the event for the second year running.

“We are filled with pride to be celebrated for our impact on this national stage. I would like to thank our staff and partners for their support of our community efforts.”