Team GB Olympic athlete Sara Parfett officially reopened a riverside fitness and health complex as members tried out the new state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

The champion rower, who is from Cliffe Woods near Strood, performed the honours at Waterfront Leisure Centre based at Gillingham Marina on Tuesday in front of guests and staff.

During lockdown the members-club was "permanently closed" because of financial restraints caused by the enforced closure.

But, since then new owners bought the19- acre site for an undisclosed sum and it has undergone a massive three-month makeover.

General manager Ashley Martin said: "We have been overwhelmed by all the positive responses and reactions at the new Waterfront Leisure Centre re opening and how good the place looks and we have received over 2,000 enquiries and have over 500 new members on our first day.

"We are looking forward to making Waterfront Leisure a calm, relaxed environment that our members can call their happy place."

Facilities include a fully-equipped gym with panoramic views of the river, swimming pool with sauna and steam, badminton and squash courts, spin and dance rooms, a restaurant and bar.