21/10/04 - Darlington Borough Council's Leisure and Arts team have been awarded Charter Mark status, a national award for service excellence.The team, which includes the Dolphin Centre, Eastbourne Sports Complex, the Arts Centre, Stressholme Golf Centre, the Civic Theatre, School Meals, Community Events, and Sports Development Services, have been recognised for their commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in Customer Service. Charter Mark is the Government's national standard for excellence in customer service. Those who gain Charter Mark status are deemed to have 'put the customer first'. Charter Mark is recognised as a tool for continuous improvement in customer service and is unique in its focus on the service the customer actually receives. The Leisure team were successful in achieving Charter Mark status 3 years ago, but this September they were re-assessed as part of the new combined Leisure and Arts team and were once again successful.