THE Dolphin Centre in Darlington is closing for two weeks while essential maintenance is carried out.

The leisure centre will shut on Wednesday, April 10.

The swimming pool will reopen on Wednesday, April 17, but the rest of the leisure centre will be closed until Wednesday, April 24.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said the closure was necessary to give the leisure centre a complete overhaul.

He said: "We have to close it down to do the job properly. We used to hold annual maintenance checks, but for the last couple of years we have waited a bit longer and then shut for a few weeks.

"Anything that needs doing will be completed during that time, including repairs and cleaning. We realise it is inconvenient for people who use the Dolphin Centre regularly, but sadly it is necessary."