FOUR leisure centres in Hambleton have been praised by a national sporting body.

The centre in Thisk has been rated as “excellent”, while the centres in Northallerton, Stokesley and Bedale were all rated “good”, in Sport England’s ‘Quest’ status.

Councillor Bridget Fortune, portfolio holder for customer and leisure services at Hambleton District Council, said: “Only ten per cent of centres nationwide have achieved ‘excellent’ status so we are delighted that Thirsk & Sowerby Leisure Centre has joined that prestigious group.”