STAFF from Inverclyde Leisure are fighting fit after winning two major UK honours in the space of a few days.

The organisation was crowned 'quality service provider of the year' at the WOW! Awards while Birkmyre Gym in Kilmacolm won the 'best gym' prize at the Customer Experience Awards run by leading industry agency The Retention People (TRP).

The success was made even sweeter as both accolades are handed out because of feedback from customers.

As well as the main award, IL employees were also presented with their individual certificates for outstanding service.

Kieron Vango, chief executive of IL, said: "We are delighted to have won this prestigious national award which recognises the quality of our staff. "The WOW award gives our customers the opportunity to recognise excellent service that our staff have provided."

Two members of the company's management team presented to panel of industry experts in September as part of the judging process.

Judges were impressed with IL's 'innovation and enthusiasm', diverse range of activities offered and especially liked the popular Gourock Pool midnight swims.

Birkmyre Gym helped make it a double by triumphing at the Customer Experience Awards.

The accolade was in recognition of the Kilmacolm fitness centre achieving the highest user satisfaction rating in the UK from TRP, which collates responses from members.

The system is regarded as the 'gold standard' for leisure providers.

Andrew Hetherington, IL's operations manager of fitness gyms and sports facilities, said: "A massive well done to manager Jamie Cunningham - and David MacGregor from his time there - and the whole team at Birkmyre. "All the main leisure operators in the UK are integrated into the TRP system so we're absolutely delighted that Birkmyre has received this national recognition having achieved the highest score in the country."