THE Minister for Sport launched a £1.5m watersports centre in the region yesterday.

Richard Caborn MP visited the north bank of the Tees, at Stockton, to declare the multi-purpose facility open.

The centre combines boat storage, training and space for socialising, with a boat launch on to the river for Teesside's watersport clubs.

Mr Caborn watched junior rowers, University of Durham crews, dragon boat racers, water-skiers and British jet ski freestyle champion Keith Rimmer give demonstrations on the river.

The centre will provide opportunities for more watersports on the stretch of non-tidal water made possible by the building of the Tees Barrage. The Barrage created a 1,000-metre lake which is used for a variety of competitive sports, including water and jet skiing, rowing and canoeing.

Mr Caborn said: "I think this development is very important for the Teesside area. What was once a polluted river has been transformed into a real asset for the community.

"It gives everyone who wants to take up watersports the opportunity to do so.

"The centre will bring talent to the fore through the amount of sports on offer here, and is an important addition to the regeneration of the area."

Bob Gibson, leader of Stockton Borough Council and chairman of Stockton Renaissance, said: "This centre continues the dramatic transformation of both the River Tees and the centre of Stockton.

"Together, these are now the envy of the region, providing an outstanding facility for leisure, learning and business. This is a very exciting time for Stockton."

It is now hoped that the rest of the wasteland around the North bank will be developed into further office and apartment buildings