A COMMUNITY running group has had its success recognised by being awarded the Bolton Mark Inclusion accreditation.

One Foot On The Track has been in existence only for around two years and in that time has built up a healthy membership.

The friendly, inclusive club is open to anyone regardless of age, experience or ability.

They hold sessions at Bolton United Harriers' Leverhulme Park running track on Wednesdays with children's session taking place between 5pm and 6pm with a £2 charge, and adults sessions from 7pm-8pm at a cost of £3.70 or £44.10 for an annual pass.

Bolton Mark is an accreditation showing that an organisation working within the Bolton area is safe, friendly and effective. It sits alongside governing body accreditations and can be used to complete National Governing Body (NGB) Clubmark through County Sports Partnership or Ofsted.

It is a minimum standard any organisation working with children or vulnerable adults would be expected to have in Bolton.

One of the volunteers of One Foot On The Track, Gareth Doherty, said: "We've been working towards the Bolton Mark accreditation over the last few months.

"It's open to voluntary groups, sports teams, charities and social enterprises.

"Wahid Kahn from Sport in Bolton has been helping us achieve it and he's helped us to develop policies and procedures to safeguard the people who attend.

"It recognises we're a safe, friendly and inclusive group and allows us to go forward in providing a better quality service.

"The next stage is to apply for funding from the National Lottery to enable us to invest in further coaching qualifications, equipment for the children's sessions and to look at subsidising the cost of using the track or providing sports wear for disadvantaged people so that we are open to all."