BASINGSTOKE'S Aquadrome opened its doors for the first time on Monday - and it is expecting to attract more than 65,000 people in the first month.

To celebrate the opening of the £10.7million state-of-the-art facility, more than 120 of Basingstoke's residents who belong to various over 50s groups were invited to enjoy a free swim.

The Aquadrome has been totally funded by the borough council and boasts a 25-metre competition pool and 20-metre teaching pool, spa, sauna and jacuzzi, caf bar, children's creche and 15,000sqft IsoSpa health and fitness club with a 130-station gym and two dance studios.

Nearly 1,300 people signed up to become a member before it opened and the Aquadrome is well on its way to reaching a target of having 700 children booked on a swimming course by June 10, with more than 350 youngsters signed up already.

Victoria Smith, marketing director, said: "It was all hands to the pump for the last hour before we opened the doors at 11am. It's been a hard two weeks, with staff training and cleaning the centre."

She added: "The first day was very much about opening the doors and welcoming people in. The big thing will be when the Lagoon opens on Saturday - there's not another one like it in the south of England."