PENDLE Leisure Trust has announced that its attractions are once again safe to visit with an award received from the national tourism agency testifying to that effect.

This comes as part of the We’re Good to Go initiative, launched by VisitEngland which is working to relaunch the industry in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

In order to qualify for the initiative Pendle Education Trust - which runs gyms, sport facilities and leisure centres in the area - has had to demonstrate the highest standards of cleanliness and ensure that social distancing protocols are in place.

Trust chief executive Alison Goode said: “We’re delighted VisitEngland has recognised the hard work our staff has done and the Government guidelines we have followed in order to make sure our centres were safe for reopening.”

The tourism industry has been one of those hit hardest by the pandemic, as transport links, public places and all kinds of leisure activities ground to a halt in order to try and limit the spread of infections.

VisitEngland hopes that this new initiative will now help to allay public fears about risking infection by visiting tourist spots and will give the industry a much-needed boost.

In the process of qualifying, Pendle Education Trust has carried out a vigorous COVID-19 risk assessment and is now closely monitoring all of its centres.

Ms Goode said: “This award gives our members and customers further reassurance that it’s safe to return.”