BASINGSTOKE Sports Centre's new facilities were officially opened last Saturday.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council leader Rob Donnelly unveiled the £1.7million improvements to launch an open weekend.

Cllr Donnelly said: "I can remember standing outside as part of the crowd when this centre was first opened in 1969. It has certainly come a long way since then. I am very impressed with what I have seen, which makes this facility a jewel in the crown of Basingstoke."

A new modern feel to the centre was going down well with the general public during the open weekend and the refit was finished on time and on budget.

Chris Evans, chairman of Basingstoke Sports Trust, which owns and manages the sports centre, said: "I am very pleased with what has been done and, if anything, I think it is better that I imagined."

Steve Combes, the centre's chief executive, said: "I think we have a very modern facility here now and so far we have had a great response from our customers, who were very understanding during the building work."

Next on the agenda for the trust is the refurbishment of the swimming pool.