East Newport CSC have been given the perfect early Christmas present of being awarded their Go-Ride and Clubmark accreditation from British Cycling, Clubmark and the Welsh Cycling Union. The successful application was confirmed early today after a the club were notified by South Wales cycling representative, Anneliese Heard, who was overjoyed with the success of the Welsh Club.

East Newport are only the second cycling club in Wales to achieve this high standard with Rhyl CC pipping East Newport to the post by only a few weeks and the first South West Club in the sport to be accredited for providing a safe and welcoming environment for young people.

Leaders of the club were delighted to learn that they had met with the strict criteria for the national award.

"East Newport CSC is totally focused on developing all of its members, not just as riders but as people and the Go-Ride/Clubmark award fits very well with the ethos of the club. When we started this process we made a commitment to all concerned that the club would fully embrace the Go-Ride/Clubmark philosophy rather than just fill in some forms and tick some boxes".

The official presentation will be made in early January at one of the club's successful indoor training sessions.