A SWIMMING pool is hoping to make a splash with the public - following refurbishment works totalling more than £1m.

The Splash swimming pool on Priory Road, Malvern, has been closed for the past six months while refurbishment works take place.

But it has opened this week aiming to attract a host of leisure users.

The gymnasium at the leisure complex has been extended over the reception area, doubling in size, and a new dance studio and showering and changing facilities have been installed.

Other improvement works include a new sauna, steam room, creche and caf and the pool and pool changing facilities have been redecorated and refurbished.

A new reception and front entrance have also been installed and the centre will now re-open its doors to the public at 7am on Monday.

"With the school holidays upon us, it is expected that the Splash will prove a popular community attraction, particularly in the next few weeks with people taking advantage of the vast improvements which have been made," said Paula Caffull, sales and marketing manager at the complex.

"People can expect quite a large difference when they make use of the facilities," said Malvern Hills District Council leader Tom Wells.

"This is great news for the people of Malvern and the surrounding area."

The news comes hot-on-the-heels of Worcester's only outdoor paddling pool - Gheluvelt Park - being opened to the public from yesterday.

Malvern Hills District Council own the premises, which are managed by leisure company Sports Leisure Management. Last year, nearly 180,000 people used the complex.

Opening times are 7am to 10pm from Monday to Sunday.