DOUBLE-gold medal winning star Rebecca Adlington OBE gave a ringing endorsement to the new multi-million Wyre Forest Leisure Centre.

The popular swimmer was the special guest at the official opening of the £11.9million facility, which replaced the former Glades and Stourport Leisure Centres and is based on Silverwoods Way off Stourport Road.

Rebecca, who won two gold medals in the pool at the Beijing 2008 Olympics and two bronze in London 2012 performed the ribbon cutting honours with the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Rose Bishop.

Since opening in July, bosses said there have been more than 100,000 visits while fitness membership have grown from 1,800 to 2,700.

They added there has been a 29 per cent increase in swimming lesson participants while 12,000 people have taken part in exercise classes.

In a speech to guests including the Mayors of Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley, councillors and the authority’s project partners, Rebecca said it made a change to be invited to open a new leisure centre rather than being asked to back a campaign to save one.

Rebecca said: “It is such an impressive building and there is so much going on with something for everyone.

“Most places have a stand-alone pool or a stand-alone gym. Actually lots of places are closing down so it’s amazing to have one opening here. It is such a great thing for the whole community here in Kidderminster.

“I learned to swim when I was three and it is my passion. I come from Mansfield which had two swimming pools so I was very lucky.

“The thing is, the people there made such a difference to me and it felt like I was in a community, it felt like I was in a family. I know I would not have carried on without that support.

“It means so much. You can talk about stats and money but I still remember my swimming pool birthday parties when I was little.

“This leisure centre is going to change so many people’s lives, just by them coming through the doors.

“I’m just a girl from Mansfield. Adam Peaty is just a boy from Uttoxeter. There is no reason why little Jennifer or Freddie from Kidderminster can’t be in the Olympic pool in four years’ time and I promise you they will come back and thank you.”

The centre includes a six lane 25m swimming pool, learner pool with moveable floor, 100 station fitness suite, 6 court sports hall, dance studios, climbing wall and small-sided outdoor pitches.

It also has a cafe with viewing areas, a double height children’s adventure play area, a health suite with sauna and steam room and free parking.

Places for People Leisure will be operating and managing the centre on behalf of the Council for the next 25 years. They won the contract to design and build it with their construction partners Pellikaan Construction and architects Roberts Limbrick.