A BOLTON-based sport and leisure company has won a national award.

School Lettings Solutions (SLS) fought off fierce competition from seven high profile nominees, including the O2 and The Ticket Factory, at the inaugural Sports Business Awards.

The quickly growing sport and leisure company was crowned the Best Business Serving Sports at an awards ceremony in London that was hosted by the BBC’s Dan Walker.

Company director Paul Andrews, of Village Place, Leigh, said: “Just to be part of the awards ceremony was amazing, but to be chosen as the winner was unbelievable. Even more so given that we are the first business to win this award.

"It is something truly special.

“It makes us extremely proud to think that six years ago we set up the company and now here we are with our exceptional team as winners of a prestigious award.

"We are going to enjoy celebrating this across the company with our hard-working team of more than 500 staff.

"This is for everyone who has played a part in our journey so far – we are thankful to all of them.

“We are grateful, humbled and very proud, but most of all we are still only at the beginning of our journey.

"Becoming the largest sport and leisure facility provider in the country is our ultimate aim, so here’s to many more awards along the way.”

The judging panel included five-time Olympic gold medalist rower Sir Steve Redgrave, former world champion hurdler Colin Jackson and chairman of Sport England Nick Bitel.

The judges were impressed with the company’s dedication and commitment to local communities and to encouraging greater participation in sports.

They also recognised SLS’ significant growth.

SLS, based in Lynstock Way, Lostock, partners with schools, academies and colleges to fully manage their facilities at zero cost to the organisations while linking them with community groups in need of affordable space.

It works with more than 120 schools to improve access to facilities for more than 5,000 sports clubs, performing art groups and community organisations.

Paul, 35, was born in Atherton and attended Hesketh Fletcher CE High School before studying at Wigan and Leigh College.

He has lived in Leigh since he was 21.

The Sports Business Awards celebrate the hard work and dedication of individuals and teams who make sporting success possible, including organisers, suppliers, designers, administrators, advisors and marketers.

For more information about SLS visit schoollettings.org.