The ‘Weirwolf’ was in town on Tuesday as Croydon’s newest leisure centre was opened to the public.

Paralympian gold medallist David Weir was invited to unveil the brand new facilities at Waddon Leisure Centre.

The £15 million facility houses a teaching pool, a 25m pool, a 65-station gym, also a multi-purpose sports hall, a crèche and a cafe.

There will also be various exercise classes on offer throughout the week.

David Weir was given a lifetime membership card and the gold medallist said he would be bringing his family to the new facility.

He also praised the high standard of the disabled facilities at the centre.

Mr Weir said: “I was very impressed with the pool and the changing rooms. It’s great to see so much equipment that is so suitable for disabled people.”

Councillor Phil Thomas, Croydon’s cabinet member with responsibility for the borough’s sports facilities, said: “This is part of a wider package of commitments that we made to the people of Waddon and residents of Croydon as a whole, and so I’m delighted to see this centre opening.

“We’ve created a brand new facility here which is fully accessible to everyone but that offers exceptionally good facilities for physically disabled users.

“Having David Weir with us to celebrate this event is a great honour and underlines how important it is that the UK continues to invest in sport for people of every level of ability.”

The centre is based close to the Fiveways junction in Purley Way. It will be open seven days a week, 6.30am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm at the weekend.

For more information call 020 8760 0657 or visit croydon-leisure.com.