Witham's new £9.5million state-of-the-art leisure centre will open on Tuesday nine years after the idea was first suggested.

Construction work on Witham Leisure Centre, in Spinks Lane, began last May and Braintree Council is hoping the impressive new building will boost participation in sport and exercise.

Last week, a spokesman for Braintree Council said opening was "imminent" but it has since emerged it will open on Tuesday.

The new centre will feature a six-lane 25 metre pool, a learner pool with a movable floor and an overlooking spectator area.

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.