AN EMERGENCY evacuation was carried out at the Basingstoke Aquadrome this afternoon.

Everyone in the building, including those using the pools, was asked to leave immediately at around 3.15pm after the fire alarm sounded.

Those who were using the pools were given thermal foil blankets to keep warm before making their way outside to the front of the building, at Basingstoke Leisure Park, to await further instruction.

A member of staff said the evacuation happened after a hairdryer overheated in the men’s changing room, and the smoke had set off the fire alarm.

Everyone was allowed back inside after five minutes.

The fire service did not attend the incident, which was dealt with by staff.