A NEW swimming baths has opened its doors to the public.

Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre, in Hetton-le-Hole, Wearside includes a 25m pool, along with learner pool, exercise suite, sauna and steam room.

The new facility was built to replace the 1970s-built pool on the same site, next to the Hetton Centre, in Barnard Park.

The pool was officially opened on Thursday by oun Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, and deputy leader Coun Florence Anderson.

Coun Watson said: "This is an excellent new facility for communities in Hetton, Houghton and the surrounding area.

"It will support people in being healthy and happy, as well as tackling the obesity issue, which are vitally important to the city council."

The centre is Sunderland’s fourth pool, alongside Sunderland Aquatic Centre, Washington Leisure Centre and the new Silksworth Community pool which also opened last week.

Coun Watson added: "The journey from the old baths to what we have today is a fantastic outcome and I would like to thank all those involved in making it a success."

The Wellness Centre has a variety of state-of-the-art gym equipment and fully-trained staff on hand to support people - from those who have never been in a gym before in their life, to those training for a major sporting event In addition there is a multi-purpose room that has been programmed for a variety of exercise classes and is also available to hire for meetings and children’s parties.

Building began in September 2008 and has been completed on schedule.