An Epsom leisure centre is celebrating being named the best in Britain.

The Rainbow Leisure Centre on East Street won Centre of the Year award at The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) FLAME Awards, which took place in Telford last week.

And with £1m of improvements planned for November it is set to get even better.

Simon Sen, Rainbow Leisure Centre Partnership Manager said: "We couldn't be more delighted that our efforts and those of our team members have been recognised, particularly having been up against such tough competition from across the country.

"The judging process was really tough; it looked at how the centre runs operationally, how it is managed and what visitors think of the centre and its staff. The fact that we've been recognised by experts within the leisure industry and told that we are the very best centre in the UK is absolutely fantastic."

As part of the judging process the centre had to undergo stringent assessments, including a site visit from an FIA judge.

The final stage of judging took place last month, with an independent market research company conducting an in-depth customer satisfaction survey.

Feedback given by The Rainbow's customers saw the centre snatch victory ahead of the other finalists.

Councillor Jan Mason, Chairman of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's Leisure Committee added: "Everyone here at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is delighted that The Rainbow Leisure Centre has been voted the best leisure centre in Britain.