HORLEY'S new £9 million state-of-the-art leisure centre has been officially opened by an Olympic athlete.

British long jump record holder Chris Tomlinson joined Reigate and Banstead mayor Brian Stead and Horley schoolchildren to cut the ribbon on the Anderson Way centre on Tuesday last week.

Following the ceremony they were treated to a display of skill by resident basketball team the Reigate Falcons and met octogenarian swimmer James Green.

Touring the centre, Mr Tomlinson, who competed at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and holds the British long jump record of 8.29 metres, visited the multi-use sports hall and 45-station fitness gym.

Executive Member for Healthy Communities Councillor Adam De Save said: "We are pleased that Chris was able to come and help us mark this important occasion in the year of the London 2012 Olympics.

"The council has invested £9 million in the development of the new Horley Leisure Centre, vastly improving the opportunities for local people of all ages and abilities to keep healthy and active.

"We've already had a lot of positive feedback from both new users and members of the old centre, who are as pleased with their new leisure centre as we are."

The complex, which opened to the public last month ahead of the official opening, has just received an A rating for energy efficiency, thanks to a whole range of energy-saving measures, including a biomass heating system and solar panels.

But it's the facilities for the disabled, including a ramp which enables access into the pool, which have been particularly praised.

This, and other improvements, may now be included in any future leisure centres developed across the borough by the council's leisure partner GLL.

Its partnership manager David Hughes said: "GLL is delighted to be further developing our partnership with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council with the opening of Horley Leisure Centre.

"With such great facilities on the doorstep, we hope this will inspire more local people to come in and try some of the fantastic sport and fitness facilities on offer in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

For full story see this week's Surrey Mirror, out on Thursday