A LONG-awaited leisure centre in Pershore is expected to open in less than a month.

Work to finish the building is now almost complete and contractors expect to hand over the complex to the management team of Wychavon Leisure in the first week of July.

The new £3.7m Pershore Leisure Centre in King George's Way is expected to open on Saturday, July 13, almost two years after the old one closed.

The complex will house a 25-metre, five-lane swimming pool, a fitness room, an aerobics studio and a sauna and steam room.

Seating for around 70 spectators will be provided, along with lower seating for disabled spectators.

There will also be a vending area with pool viewing.

The leisure centre has also created jobs for the town, with the appointment of two lifeguards and fitness centre staff.

"We are striving to open the new centre in time for the school holidays," said Peter Head, centre manager.

"We are all very excited because everything is almost in place."