FORMER Gladiator Diane Youdale returned to her old school to open a new-look £1m sports centre.

The star attended Billingham Campus School on Teesside on Saturday to unveil the complex, which has been closed for 18 months.

Thanks to almost £1m from the New Opportunities Fund, the centre, in Marsh House Avenue, has a new roof, new floors, extra storage facilities and modern changing facilities.

On weekdays, it is used by pupils, but in the evenings and weekends, the pool, two sports halls and two gyms can be used by the public.

Head of PE Stuart Usher said the complex was packed on Saturday, with youngsters playing basketball, tennis and badminton, as well as trying trampolining and canoeing.

He said: "It's an excellent facility - very good for a school to be able to use.

"It will be used by the school during the day, but is available to the community at other times, when various classes and things will be held.

"Everyone should come along and use it."