IT WAS victory for Camelford Leisure Centre in the recent Community Energy Awards.

The award ceremony, held in Oxford, showcased and celebrated the communities, projects ands individuals that are at the forefront of the community energy revolution.

Around 55 entries were shortlisted from all the nominations to the second Community Energy Awards, organised by Community Energy England (CEE).

The quality of entries made life tough for the panel of judges and the eight category winners were announced by host Paul Monaghan.

Camelford Leisure Centre topped the Community Heat Project Award.

When Cornwall Council withdrew funding in 2012 after operating at a 40% deficit, local people produced a business plan to take over, making changes around energy-saving, operational efficiencies and improving community engagement.

The community-owned sports centre is now financially viable.

Phillip Wolfe, chairman of CEE, said: “All finalists are exemplars in their field and leading the UK’s community energy drive.”