THE region's newest leisure complex was opened with a splash yesterday by ex-footballer Trevor Brooking.

The opening of the £5m centre is the culmination of an 18-month building programme, which not only gives Teesside one of the region's most up-to-date leisure facilities, but also completes another stage in the regeneration of Stockton borough.

Splash! has been designed to meet the needs of the 21st century and includes a 25-metre pool with a wave machine, a learner pool, whirlpool and flume slide.

There is also a fitness suite and aerobics studio.

Former England and West Ham player Mr Brooking said: "Sport can be a very enjoyable experience, and we should encourage it.

"It taught me a lot and it is from sport that I learnt a lot of life skills, such as behaviour and attitudes."

Splash! has received funding from a number of sources, including £2.45m from Sport England, of which Mr Brooking is chairman.

Stockton Borough Council has also invested £2m, with further funding coming through the Government's Capital Challenge programme and the European Regional Development Fund.

Mr Brooking said: "I have seen a lot of enthusiasm today - and I hope it continues."