The Perivale Park Athletics Track in Ealing has been named as a Centre of Excellence for Rotational Throws by England Athletics.

The facility, run by the local council’s Active Ealing team, was awarded the title following extensive improvements made at the track since April, when a new pavilion was opened to the public.

Nigel Sumner, cabinet member for health and community wellbeing at Ealing Council, said: “This is such a great achievement for the borough and the talented athletes we have here. Perivale Park Athletics Track has come a long way and it’s fantastic that this has been recognised by England Athletics.”

Previously, the nearest centre of excellence for London athletes training in rotational throws – hammer, discus and shot – was in Birmingham.

A new 300-seat stand is also due to be assembled at the track at the end of the month, with a throwing cage expected later this year.

Hammer thrower Lorraine Shaw, former Commonwealth gold medallist and Olympic finalist, added: “With the 2012 Olympics fast approaching this is a perfect chance to attract local talent to the athletics track, encourage others from further afield to come and use the facility, and coach them to Olympic standard.”

Ealing Council also won the London region UK Athletics Award for Local Authority of the Year at the England Athletics awards recently and Active Ealing’s Jamie Bath – who manages Perivale Park – came ‘highly commended’ for Coach of the Year at the awards.