AN official opening bash to celebrate Worcester's new swimming pool took place today - with Paralympian Rebecca Redfern making a splash.

The British and European record holder dived into the eight-lane pool in front of hordes of invited guests, signalling the start of a new era for swimming in the city.

During today's event, which attracted politicians, business owners, developers, dignitaries and swimmers from across the county, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place to signify the development.

Paralympian Claire Cashmore, from the Wyre Forest, who was handed an MBE earlier this month for services to swimming, was also among those in attendance, giving a speech on how lucky children are to be able to use it.

The 28-year-old athlete, who now splits her time between Kidderminster and Manchester and earned gold at the 2016 Rio De Janeiro games, said: "It's an absolute honour to be asked here and it's really refreshing to see this pool open.

"It's become a bit of a trend around the country for pools to close, but I'm so passionate about it, and you are so lucky to have a world class pool on your doorstep."

Droitwich-based Ms Redfern, who is 17 and has a world record in the breaststroke, said: "It's a great facility, I hope people in Worcester come and use it and see how brilliant it is."

Children from Stanley Road Primary School, RGS Worcester and the city's swimming club were among those invited to jump into the pool in front of the invited crowd after Ms Redfearn dived in.

Among those present was Ian Silvera, from Sport England, which handed over £2 million to allow the pool to get built.

"That investment of £2 million is the maximum amount we can put into a single facility - that reflects our confidence in the quality of it," he said.

"The end result is a fantastic facility that allows people of all ages and abilities to be active, all year round."

Among those giving speeches were also the Mayor of Worcester Councillor Paul Denham, who called it "remarkable", while Councillor Jabba Riaz, the current cabinet member responsible for leisure, added: "What makes this facility unique is that it truly is a labour of love."

Conservative Councillor Mike Johnson, who signed the scheme off while his party was in power, also delivered a speech, calling the end product "magnificent".

"We all want to celebrate this fantastic addition to Worcester's sporting offer," he said.

Des O'Neill, the managing director at Speller Metcalfe, which constructed it, said:"It's just tremendous to be here and to have been involved in this brilliant facility."

Bosses at operators Freedom Leisure, who were also on hand today, said the pool had seen 6,0000 visitors in its opening weekend and more than 1,800 new members.

The pool, at the revamped Perdiswell Leisure Centre, is able to host regional competitions because of the eight lanes.