Sports trust SOLL Leisure's contribution to sport, leisure and hospitality was recognised at the Oxfordshire Business of the Year Awards 2008 on 20 June.

The company was shortlisted in the Hospitality and Leisure category and was only beaten to the top spot by Blenheim Palace.

Stuart Henshaw, managing director of SOLL, said: "It is great to be recognised and valued for the work that we do within Oxfordshire's community.

"SOLL is involved with its client council's, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, Thame and Didcot Town Council's in a wide variety of sport, health, fitness and well-being initiatives and it is a tribute to all involved that we got so close to winning.

"It has been an excellent experience for all the staff involved with the entry and we will take the learning into the business to improve what we do in the future."

SOLL Leisure manages 13 sports and leisure facilities in Oxfordshire.