A sports and swimming centre has scooped a prestigious safety award.

Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre has been awarded one of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards for 2003.

The merit award was presented to senior staff members Dave Candler and Tim Baylis at a special ceremony in Birmingham.

RoSPA president Lord Faulkner made the presentation.

The award recognises good health and safety management as well as a reduction in the number of accidents and cases of ill health at work.

Using risk assessments and completing Arun's weekly blue box safety tasks, combined with an excellent safety record, helped the centre reach the necessary standard.

Manager David Batchelor said: "The submission by staff demonstrates, by external and independent examination and verification, that systems and procedures are in place to reduce to the lowest levels the risk of accidents."

Richard Wilby, Arun District Council's Cabinet member for leisure, said: "The awards help reinforce the message that good health and safety is good business and clearly demonstrates our commitment to high levels of performance in this crucial area."