AN Olympic medallist performed the opening ceremony for a new spa facility at County Durham’s only retirement village.
Bronze medallist Joanne Jackson, the 400-metre freestyle world recordholder, performed the honours at the £500,000 centre at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, at Middleton St George, near Darlington.
Miss Jackson, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, said it had transformed her view of retired life. She said: “It is absolutely gorgeous. I could live here myself.”
The spa features a pool, jacuzzi, gym and three therapy rooms.
The hall’s grounds include an all-weather surface sports green, providing opportunities for bowling, croquet, boules and putting.
A healthy living coordinator with experience as a personal trainer for older people has been appointed to manage the spa.
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