HUNDREDS of swimmers hit Teviotdale Leisure Centre over the weekend for a little flume fun.

Almost a decade after it was closed due to its age and operational costs, the flume at the Mansfield Road venue reopened last week. And it was welcomed with a wave of enthusiasm by more than 300 people throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Due to high demand the first two sessions on Friday were pre-booked and it was 11-year-old Rhys Elliott who was lucky enough to be the first to test out the revamped water slide.

He said: “It was really exciting and a great experience.

“I would like to see more of this kind of thing in Hawick, hopefully it’s something that can be built on.”

The Millennium flume was first installed in 2001 following a huge fund-raising drive in the town, including £25,000 in contributions from the Common Good Fund.

Last Friday, staff and users were thrilled to see the popular attraction back in action.

Not to be outdone by her son, Rhys’s mum Kerry also tried out the slide.

She said: “It was really good fun and it’s great to have something that can be used by most age groups."

The refurbished flume is the first phase, of a £263,000 redevelopment project at Teviotdale Leisure Centre.

Work to upgrade the cafe area began this week.

And initial works have started on a new exercise studio.

Other works planned to be completed in spring include the creation of a significantly larger and improved soft play area and a new reception area.

Scott Weir, Live Borders leisure facilities area manager, commented: “I’m absolutely over the moon that we have been able to deliver the opening of the flume today.

“Seeing the first person coming down there was quite a special moment.

“It has been a long process and a very thorough process on the part of Live Borders.

"We have had a large team working on it and the guys who have come in and undertook all the work for us have been fantastic.

“Today has been a great moment for everyone involved and for me personally.

“The flume is a major part in creating this major destination multi-use facility and, as far as today goes it’s all good so far.”

For more details on flume sessions and swimming timetables contact Teviotdale Leisure Centre on 01450 374440.