SPORTS and leisure services in Blackpool are gold medal standard -- and that's official!

Inspectors have hailed the town's sports and leisure facilities as among the best in the country following a recent Government report. And they will get even better in the future.

The resort was also awarded an enviable two star rating -- achieved by only a small percentage of authorities nationwide -- following a Best Value review.

Blackpool-based leisure services manager and former athlete John Blackledge has now been asked to join other eminent speakers at the national launch of a guide to best practice on measuring performance in sports development.

The launch, by Sport England, takes place in London on October 31 and one of the main guests will be the Cabinet member for leisure, Lyn Brown.

John will also draw on his experience of the Blackpool review to advise other professionals on how to achieve a two star award.

The report included an in-depth look at Blackpool's sports development service, four principal leisure services, the golf course and sports facilities in parks. Inspectors said the facilities were good quality, accessible and provided an appropriate range of activities. Patronage is high and customers are generally satisfied.

Council leader Roy Fisher said: "We are understandably delighted with the results of the review and with the knock-on effect it has had in view of Blackpool's standing within national sporting circles.

"We have already incorporated the report's recommendations in an action plan and will be addressing the issues raised in a three-year business plan being developed to take the service forward.

"We will look forward to building on our success and to sharing our expertise and what we have learned with others."