A REFURBISHED water park at the Oasis leisure centre was reopened by a Swindon-based international swimming champ.

Teen Holly Sullivan, who has competed in the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation's European championships, opened the new flume tower at the Swindon attraction.

Holly's dad, Mike Sullivan, said: “Holly started swimming at the Oasis when she was four-years-old and has loved the pool ever since. After completing the Learn to Swim Programme, she progressed into a competitive swimming club, Swindon ASC, and is currently the Down Syndrome junior world record holder for 100m freestyle.

"The staff and coaches at the Oasis have been superb and instrumental to Holly’s success. She has been a regular user of the Oasis ever since.”

After a three month refit, the water park has a new flume tower, slides, showers, boiler and pool filters.

Speaking at Saturday's opening event, Max Wilshaw, general manager at the Oasis centre, said: “I used to come and swim at the Oasis all the way from Stroud with my family when I was a youngster.

"When the opportunity came up for me to take on the role here as general manager it was something I just couldn’t turn it down.

"There are a lot of people who share that affection for the facility. It’s a really important part of the town.”

Nikki Downs, from Bristol, was one of 1,500 through the doors on Saturday: “I used to come to the Oasis when I was younger myself and today I’m bringing my two daughters along for the first time. They are very excited to get in the pool and have some fun.”