DOUBLE Olympic Gold medallist Rebecca Adlington yesterday officially opened the new Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre and promised to return to swim in its new pool.

The six-months-pregnant 26-year-old said she intended to come back to £13.5 million complex when her new daughter was old enough to enjoy its ‘absolutely fantastic’ facilities.

Britain’s most successful swimmer, who won gold in the 400 and 800 metre freestyle events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, hopes the new centre will inspire future athletes and swimmers in East Lancashire.

The joint venture between Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackburn College replaces the 29-year-old Waves water fun centre, which closed its doors last month.

The new pool and Rebecca’s visit certainly inspired two young swimmers, 15-year-old Grace Orrell, from Darwen, and 18-year-old Matthew Nuttall, from Roe Lee.

Rebecca said: “This is an absolutely fantastic development with a world-class swimming pool and excellent gym and sports facilities.

“Obviously, I couldn’t get in the pool at the moment but at some point after my daughter is born, in June, I would love to come back with her and try it out.

“I’m delighted to open the centre which hopefully will help produce Olympic swimmers and athletes from East Lancashire as will as providing fun and the opportunity to stay healthy. Swimming is great for all ages. I started in the local pool in Mansfield, a town like Blackburn, and wish it had this sort of facility.”

Blackburn Centurions Swimming Club member Grace said: “ It was really inspiring to meet Rebecca and I’d love to make Team GB for the Olympics.”