Fife's newest sports and leisure centre has opened its doors to the public.

The new Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre, located in Glenrothes, cost £21.2m and was council-funded.

The complex boasts a 25m x 17m eight-lane competition swimming pool with a spectating gallery for 250 people, a 20m x 10m training pool with underwater movable floor, an 11m x 5m teaching/remedial pool and a modern wetside change area with adjoining health suite.

The centre's dryside facilities include a gym with 80 stations, strength and conditioning studio, purpose built aerobics studio, an eight-badminton court sports hall and two squash courts.

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While the outdoor facilities include an 11-a-side synthetic pitch, three five-a-side 3G synthetic pitches, a seven-a-side 3G synthetic pitch and an athletics track upgrade.

Leader of Fife Council, Councillor Alex Rowley said: "This fantastic new facility greatly improves sports and leisure opportunities, not just for the local community but regionally too. As Fife's flagship sports facility, it will cater for all ages and abilities to help them keep more active.

"In the first day alone, many children have already benefitted from frees swims. The offer will be in place for the rest of the summer holidays, not just here but at all Fife Sports & Leisure Trust pools across Fife."

Chair of the Glenrothes Area Committee, Councillor Altany Craik, added: "There has already been a lot of positive feedback from community groups and sports clubs who have had a chance to test out the facility. I hope the residents of Glenrothes and beyond will be just as pleased with it. From beginners to professional athletes, this is a sports centre for Fife to be proud of."

An official opening ceremony for the centre is scheduled for next month.

(JP/MH)