Sutton’s Lammas Leisure Centre has gained industry prestige after its general manager was named a chartered member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.

Paul Blakemore, 46, is only the 13th Chartered member in the UK and the first from Everyone Active, which runs the centre.

CIMSPA, previously known as ISRM (Institute of Sport And Recreation Management), is the professional development body for the UK’s sport, fitness and physical activity sector. It was awarded chartered status by the Privy Council in 2011.

The chartered member award acknowledges professionalism and capability, signifying that members have demonstrated skill, knowledge and understanding in the sport and physical activity sector.

Blakemore, who has been an Everyone Active employee since 2014, said: “They are very much the gold standard when it comes to leisure professionals.

“I have been part of CIMPSA since 2000 and they are trying to create one voice for the industry. It has become a place to share best practise.

“They are very much the reason I am where I am today.

“This is a seal of approval and it brings a bit of prestige to Lammas.

“It is proof that as an employee, team and centre, we work to a high standard.”

The first Everyone Active employee to achieve the award, Blakemore is now going to be pushing for more of his colleagues to join the institute and take on a new challenge with CIMSPA.

“It’s important,” he added. “I have championed it for a number of years and I think our centres, not just across Ashfield but the UK, will benefit.”

Paul Blakemore is pictured, back, at an open day at Lammas Leisure Centre.