Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust has held its first ever Staff Commendation Awards, honouring 38 members of staff throughout the organisation.

As well as rewarding long service, awards were also made in categories including Top Team, Leading by example, Giving Something Back, Partnership Working, Breakthrough and Exceptional Achievement in Learning.

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust chief executive, Rodney Hill, who gave out the awards, said: “I am honoured to have presented these awards; we are very, very proud of the great work that our staff do.

“We are a large organisation with a huge variety of services to deliver so it is very important that everyone has a chance to be recognised for their achievements.

“Everyone is part of the same team working towards the same goals and we always strive to achieve excellence. The staff here today have proved just what can be achieved through passion, dedication and talent.”

Photograph: The Active Living Team won the Top Team Award