A new £1.8 million teaching pool has been officially unveiled by Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies.

Ipswich Star: Sharron Davies takes the first dip in the First Strokes pool.Sharron Davies takes the first dip in the First Strokes pool. (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of people turned out to the launch of the First Strokes pool, located on Hadleigh Road, Sproughton, on Saturday.

Co-owners Alastair and Gillian Dovey put on a water-themed family fun day to mark the grand opening, with undersea mascots, splash dances, giant inflatables, circus performers and competitions.

Sally Partlett-Hulstrom, who attended the event, said: “We have had such a fun day. The pool looks amazing and everything from the reception to the changing rooms has been beautifully done, we can’t wait to get in the water.”

First to take a surprise dive in the pool was Sharron, who amazed crowds with her medal-winning butterfly stroke.

South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge also attended the launch.