A WEEKEND of fun activities has been arranged to mark the full re-opening of Darlington Dolphin Centre.

The borough council has arranged celebrations to launch the leisure centre's £5m refurbishment package.

They will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17.

The centre opens at 7am on the Saturday and celebrations run from 10am to 3pm on both days.

There will be stilt walkers, balloon modellers, children's competitions and visits from Father Christmas and cast members from Cinderella, Darlington Civic Theatre's pantomime.

There will be a chance to win spot prizes including children's parties, fitness suite memberships and free swimming sessions.

The refurbishment has included the creation of a new changing village, which has already been used by more than 50,000 visitors.

Other features include the new Under The Sea themed soft play area with sensory provision, a continental-style café bar, Darlington's Register Office and a new box office.

There has also been nearly £100,000 of new fitness equipment installed.

The project has been the most significant work done on the centre since it was opened in 1983.