An Olympic silver-medallist is set to officially open a new multi-million leisure centre this month.

Sharron Davies MBE, will cut the opening ribbon to Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre alongside Epping Forest District Council Chairman, Cllr Richard Bassett on Saturday, June 15.

The 56-year-old Olympian represented Great Britain during the 19070s and 80s, coming second at the 400-metre individual medley at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow.

Since retiring from the sport, Ms Davies has served as a patron of charities for disabled children and fitness and was also a contestant on Dancing on Ice in 2010.

To celebrate the centre opening, an Oceans of Fun event on the day will also be held and by Team GB’s swimmer Grant Turner and Genevieve Randall - GB synchro Swimmer.

The event will feature an afternoon of skills and games across the different aquatic disciplines with participants getting the chance to compete in the ‘beat the Olympian’ race.

Centre manager, Chris McCarthy, said: “To celebrate the success of this new £10m development in the heart of Waltham Abbey we are delighted to welcome the Chairman of Epping Forest District Council and Sharron Davies MBE to officially open the centre and hold a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“We’ve welcomed lots of members from the local community to the centre and look forward to helping local residents get active and stay active for many years to come.”

Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre managed by Places Leisure opened its doors in November 2017 has seen 150,000 visitors use new state of the art facilities including a gym, studios, indoor cycling and two pools.

Cllr Bassett, who first visited the site early in its construction said: “It is so pleasing to have watched this new centre go from a building site to a brand-new state of the art leisure facility.

“It will be great to see the long-term impact on the local community. I congratulate all those involved in this marvellous project.”