Athletes cut ribbon at refurbished leisure centre

Swimmers Rebecca Adlington and Maisie Summers-Newton were star guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony

An Olympian and a Paralympian cut the ribbon at an event celebrating the refurbishment of a Leicestershire leisure centre.

Swimmers Rebecca Adlington and Maisie Summers-Newton were star guests at Harborough Leisure Centre's family open day on Saturday.

The refurbishment included the creation of a new multi-sport arena, which opened on Monday and replaced the dome that was previously there.

There is also a new gym, an extended wellbeing studio and an enhanced pool area.

Rebecca Adlington met with people at the centre and spoke with the media

The centre, run by operator Everyone Active in partnership with Harborough District Council, hosted free activities including swim sessions on Saturday.

Both Ms Adlington and Ms Summers-Newton supported swim and dry side activities during the day.

There were also free gym sessions with a live DJ and personal training tasters.

People had the chance to meet the athletes throughout the open day

Everyone Active contract manager Matthew Hopkin said: “We want to show as many people as possible the superb facility on their doorstep, which has something for everyone, no matter what your age, interests or ability."

Leader of Harborough District Council Phil Knowles said: “I’m proud of the improvements made as part of the hugely successful leisure refurbishment project at Harborough Leisure Centre.

“The investment has delivered improved accessible exercise opportunities for residents, with the facility also supporting a wide range of local groups and clubs.

"This is in addition to the important ongoing support for both rehabilitation and prehabilitation referrals as well as other outreach programmes."