A popular Norwich activity centre is celebrating today after it received an award for the high quality of educational visits it provides.

Eaton Vale Activity Centre, a joint venture between Norfolk Scouts and Guides, which aims to deliver first-class outdoor activities for people of all ages, has been awarded with a Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge.

Awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, the LOtC Quality Badge combines for the first time learning and safety into one easily recognisable badge for organisations.

Richard Lang, operations manager at the centre, based in Church Lane, Eaton, said: 'Being awarded the LOtC Quality Badge is a real coup for all the staff here as it shows that we offer young people the type of high-quality learning experiences they really benefit from.

'We're thrilled to get official recognition for our efforts and we look forward to welcoming even more children and young people from the local area to our residential and activity centre.'

The LOtC Quality Badge was launched in 2009 as part of the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto, a national initiative to ensure young people are given more opportunities to have these experiences as part of the curriculum.

The LOtC Quality Badge also provides free online guidance and information for teachers on how to plan and organise high-quality activities.

The badge is designed to make it easier for teachers to identify providers of quality educational visits.

Beth Gardner, chief executive of the Council for LOtC said: 'Educational visits are among the most memorable experiences in a child's school life.

'Quality Badges offer teachers a guarantee that not only is a venue providing the sort of educational value that they can build on in class long after the visit but they also have the appropriate risk management structures in place.'

The LOtC Quality Badge is available to large and small organisations providing quality learning outside the classroom experiences and managing risk effectively.

Have you been recognised for excellence in the community? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk