DARLINGTON'S Dolphin Centre celebrates a landmark anniversary today With a party for young and old customers.

The leisure centre marks its 20th anniversary with bosses promising a bright future.

Magicians, stilt-walkers and face-painters will be entertaining the younger visitors.

Bucks Fizz and birthday cake will be available for the adults.

The centre has seen more than 28 million customers pass through its doors since it was opened on November 2, 1982, by four-minute-mile athlete Roger Bannister.

From 10am to noon today, families can take part in a free disco float session in the swimming pool and prizes of theatre tickets and fitness club memberships will be given out throughout the day.

Centre manager Mike Crawshaw said: "The whole day will focus on families, and is our way of thanking people for all their support over the past 20 years."

Among the centre's leading attractions is the Pulse II fitness suite, which has recently undergone a £75,000 refurbishment. Equipment worth a further £25,000 is to be installed before Christmas.

The building has something of a chequered history, with a council investigation uncovering a series of structural defects after its opening.

The authority became embroiled in a multi-million pound legal battle after issuing a writ for damages arising out of the £12m construction of the centre.