Bolton Wanderers Football Club has been awarded the highly coveted International Safety Award from the British Safety Council for the second year in a row.

The British Safety Council, one of the world's leading health and safety training, advisory and audit bodies, judged the club should be a 2008 winner.

An independent adjudication panel assessed the club on its health and safety policies, targeted plans, and its commitment to health and safety throughout the club.

Winners also had to demonstrate the competence of those responsible for health and safety and show evidence of improvements during the year.

David Paveley, Operations Manager at Bolton Wanderers, said: "Everyone at the football club is delighted that we have once again been recognised for our high standards and best practice.

"It is fantastic that we have been rewarded for our efforts over the course of the last two years, and we will be aiming to continue our principles well into the future.

"To have attained this level is a credit to all those involved as well as the support provided."

Mr Brian Nimick, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, said: "For more than 50 years, BSC has led the way in promoting health, safety and environmental best practice in society. In the 21^st century, many organisations worldwide are understandably making health safety and environmental management their top priority.

"Through achieving an International Safety Award, Bolton Wanderers Football Club is helping to make our vision of a healthy and safe working environment a reality."

The award will be presented at a winners' banquet in May at the Grosvenor House in London.

By Gavin Patterson