Independent and multi-site gyms that offer weightlifting training can now receive official endorsement from the national governing body for Olympic weightlifting and Paralympic powerlifting.

British Weight Lifting (BWL) will endorse gyms that meet a selection of standards as it looks to help provide the public with a reference point for the level of service they should expect from operators.

Gyms will be tested on a number of areas, including on how they promote the activity in the local community, safety and quality of equipment, staff knowledge, whether the organisation is an equal opportunities employer and the level of safety for members and employees.

BWL chief executive Ashley Metcalfe said: “This is an opportunity for us to recognise gyms out there that are actively promoting weightlifting in all forms in an exciting and positive way, and we are delighted to be able to support their efforts in any way that we can."

Endorsement will include use of the BWL logo and branding, a place on accredited courses, discounts off kit and development support.