The new Wycombe Leisure Centre will be given the royal seal of approval next month when the Duke of Kent returns to Handy Cross for the official opening – 38 years after launching the old centre.

The Royal will be joined by Olympic legend Sir Steve Redgrave as he unveils a plaque at the £25 million leisure centre on Wednesday, March 2.

The five-time Olympic gold medallist and deputy lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Sir Steve, will greet the Duke of Kent, Prince Edward, ahead of a tour at the new centre.

Wycombe District Council Leader Cllr Katrina Wood said: “We are honoured and thrilled that HRH the Duke of Kent will return to High Wycombe to officially open our wonderful new leisure centre.

“I am sure he will be impressed and notice a huge difference between the old centre and the fantastic facilities the Wycombe Leisure Centre offers to residents and visitors to the district.”

WDC added that the new centre has proved popular with visitors since the opening on January 5.

There has been an increase in footfall, new members and usage when compared to the same visitor figures to the old complex in January 2015.

Facilities at the leisure centre include a 50m swimming pool, a community pool and the new Splash Pad zone for toddlers.

Visitors can also scale the 10m high climbing wall, play a wide variety of different sports in the multi-use 12-court sports hall, and use the 150-station gym and dance and spin studios.

The centre also boasts squash courts, a four-rink bowls centre, a sauna and steam room, a café and meeting rooms.