In pictures: Remember when Sharron Davies, Suzanne Dando and Chris Barrie turned up at Newbury's leisure centre

In September 1994, the Northcroft Leisure Centre held a star-studded open day following a major refurbishment.

Opening the new look facility were swimmer Sharron Davies, gymnast Suzanne Dando and actor Chris Barrie, behaving like his alter ego Gordon Brittas, an insufferable leisure centre manager in the popular sitcom The Brittas Empire.

Also there on the day were footballers Alan Ball, part of the England 1966 World Cup squad, and international player Peter Beardsley.

Thousands of people turned up for the day and to view the new, updated facilities.

Northcroft Centre was opened in 1980 by Olympic swimmer David Wilkie, but was then beset with a series of repairs.

In early 1990 some roof tiles fell into the pool following a storm and the facility had to shut while emergency repairs were made.

A subsequent refurbishment was mired in controversy when it apparently ran more than £200k over budget, but Mr Wilkie returned in October of that year to see the new look facilities and try out the pool.

In August 1991 at another open day to promote the facilities, visitors were entertained by Tiny Ted.

But in November 1991 it was decided that yet more improvements needed to be made and £500k was put aside.

In 1993, World Conker champion Charlie Bray visited the Northcroft Centre.