A Bradley sports and social club has got a Royal seal of approval.

Lions MMA is among 40 Yorkshire-based community groups to have their work recognised by a major royal award scheme.

The Duke of York’s Community Initiative is presented annually to community groups and charities from across the whole of Yorkshire who, following rigorous assessment, are deemed to be: “of real value to the community, well run and an inspiration to others.”

The Lions project has taken over the former Warrenside sports complex and has carried out major renovation works.

It is now home to several soccer clubs and other groups.

This year’s award ceremony, which involved organisations from major cities such as Wakefield, York, Beverley and Leeds as well as a number of much more rural projects such as Tockwith Festivals, Wilberfoss in Bloom and Sight Support Ryedale was attended by more than 200 award holders, assessors and guests.

Speaking at the event, the Duke of York talked of how over the years the Initiative had sought to extend its remit so that now it not only recognises and rewards outstanding community work but in so doing seeks to enhance society by encouraging award holders to continue to do all they can to break down barriers between both organisations and people.

Lions co-founders Amrit Singh Atwal and Raj Singh were joined by guest Jarnail Singh Khalsa and the DOYCI Assessor Roger Wood for the presentation at Bridlington Spa’s Royal Hall.

Mr Atwal said: “Myself and Raj wish to thank everyone who has supported Lions MMA over the last three years.

“They include the Fartown Sikh Temple, Huddersfield Sikh Youth, One Community Foundation, Huddersfield Community Police and all the volunteers, members and parents for their ongoing support”.

The of York’s Community Initiative is open to all Yorkshire based community groups.

To find out more visit http://www.thedukeofyorkscommunityinitiative.org.uk/