YOUNG rugby players beat the scrum to be first to take the plunge and try out new swimming baths.

Hetton Community Pool officially opens on Thursday, filling a void in leisure provision in the former coalfield area between Durham and Sunderland.

The complex features a 25-metre pool and 10.5m learner pool, as well as ‘Wellness Centre’ and exercise suite, plus sauna and steam room.

It replaces the 1970-built baths on the same site, alongside the Hetton Centre and Barnard Park, in Hetton-le-Hole.

When closure of the previous facility was announced in 2006 it sparked a local outcry amid fears a replacement would be built elsewhere.

But they were allayed when, in early 2008, Sunderland City Council agreed plans to build new complexes at Hetton and adjoining Sunderland Tennis Centre, at Silksworth, for a combined budget of under £10.5m.

Work began in September 2008 and was completed on schedule.

Thursday’s official ribbon cutting, by Sunderland Mayor, councillor Dennis Richardson, follows a period of ‘operational testing’.

Groups were given the chance to test try the pool, enabling staff to test equipment and put their training to good use to ensure everything runs smoothly on opening.

Young members of Sunderland Rugby Club, their friends and families were the first ‘advance party’ to take the plunge in the pristine baths.

Councillor James Blackburn, who represents Hetton and neighbouring Easington Lane on the council, said: "The city council has listened to local people who told us they want excellent facilities where they can be active as a family, close to where they live, at Hetton and Silksworth."

The pool will have lanes for swimming, aqua-fit classes, learn-to-swim courses for all ages and fun floats sessions.

Further information on facilities at the new pool is available via sport.leisure@sunderland.gov.uk, or by ringing 0191-561 4544.