RANGERS are among 21 pioneering British businesses to have received an inaugural national community award at a ceremony in London.

The club was last night given CommunityMark status, something which recognises companies that are the best investors in their local areas.

To gain the accolade, organisations have to pass rigorous, independent assessment, including scrutiny by their employees and community partners.

Rangers are among five Scottish firms to be included in the group and one of three British football clubs, the others being Hearts and Blackburn Rovers.

Football in the Community officer Colin Atkinson and youth development manager Craig Mulholland travelled south to accept the prize on behalf of the Ibrox club.

Collectively with the other 20 companies acknowledged, Rangers contributed to an investment of almost £600million in the community in one year alone.

As a result, Atkinson was invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street yesterday afternoon before he and Mulholland attended an evening event at the Albert Hall.

Atkinson said: “The club is delighted to receive CommunityMark status and being amongst the first group of companies in the UK to get it is great.

“It was wonderful to be acknowledged at 10 Downing Street. It reflects the dedication and breadth of the club’s contribution to the community.”

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain added: “Football has the power to capture the imagination of people and by harnessing their interest and increasing motivation, the club can help them reach their potential.”

Samantha Barber, the chief executive of Scottish Business in the Community, said: “It’s fantastic five Scottish companies have achieved the CommunityMark.

“They are in the illustrious company of many FTSE-100 plc’s who have far greater resources at their disposal.

“It shows that if you are for and of your community, you can punch above your weight on the UK stage.”

Source: Rangers