THEY have taught “tens of thousands” of children to swim, seen a love of leisure activities span lifetimes and forged a place at the heart of their community.

Now the team at Dalton Leisure Centre hope to spend another three decades doing it all over again, after hosting an event to mark their 30th anniversary on Saturday. The facility is run by a charity, meaning that its continued success relies on the loyalty of those who walk in and out of its doors every day.

Centre manager Bernard McPeake said: “I think it’s quite a feat to have been here for so many years without much help from the outside, so let’s hope we’re here another 30 years.

“The main thing that we do is teach kids to swim, which is a valuable skill to have, especially in the geographical area we live in because we’re by the sea, we’ve got the Lakes close by, so to teach these kids to swim - and there must be tens of thousands now that we’ve taught over the years - is an essential service.

“This is a safe environment whatever your age group - from our aquanatal classes before babies are even born to our oldest swimmer who’s just celebrated his 90th birthday, and all the ones in between.

“I’d describe this place as an essential hub of the community, and it really has become a real social hub too.”

The leisure centre was formally opened by Princess Margaret on September 18, 1987, but the team decided to get started on the celebrations early.

Supervisors Shaun Vasey and Shaun Fisher organised a full day of fun including various sporting challenges, magician’s displays, Clubbercise classes, balloon-making, sumo wrestling and gladiator. For those feeling particularly brave, there was even the chance to step into the ring with BMMA Heavyweight Champion, Brett "The Spartan" McDermott.

Mr McPeake added: “I’d like to thank the Shauns for organising it, they’ve put in a lot of hard work over the last few weeks and it’s been a fantastic celebration.

“The companies around Dalton have been really supportive with supplying prizes and helping out in other ways, as we have business from Ulverston and Barrow and all over the Lakes. So many have helped out, and we’re really pleased with how well it’s come off.”