RESIDENTS in Hart were treated to a golden day of sporting fun as the new leisure centre was officially opened.

More than 5,000 turned out to join double Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington and Odiham’s heroic hockey player Alex Danson in opening the £23 million centre in Fleet.

Hart District Council (HDC) has invested millions into the project, which will be managed by gym specialists Everyone Active.

Cllr Tim Southern, chairman of HDC, cut the ribbon with the two Olympians.

He said: “I was very pleased to open this new leisure centre to our residents and showcase these modern and state-of-theart facilities.

“The project is one of the biggest investments the council has made and it reflects our commitment to health and wellbeing in the district.”

The new centre has replaced the old building with new equipment and facilities, including three swimming pools, a 130-station gym, four exercise studios and an eightcourt sports hall.

Rebecca joined competition winner Emma Jones in jumping in the pool to start a host of water-based activities.

Swimmers got to try their hand at synchronised swimming and water polo, as well as race against former Olympians Cassie Patten and Craig Figes.

Visitors were also given the opportunity to step up and score against Alex.

Rebecca said: “Hart Leisure Centre is a great facility for the whole community to enjoy. The open day was really fun and gave everyone the opportunity to see and try the extensive range of activities available to them.

“Swimming is a really important, life-saving, and also a great way to keep fit and healthy. I’m delighted to see investments being made to ensure more people have the opportunity to participate in water-based activity.”