The team behind a public pool and leisure centre has been "bowled over" by how popular it has been in the year since it opened. 

The Reef in Weybourne Road, Sheringham, has recorded 177,025 visits since November 30 last year.

There had been a strong community backlash to the plans for the £12.7m centre because it did not include slides or a wave machine, which were popular features of Splash, the centre it replaced. 

Eastern Daily Press: Inside The Reef leisure centre in Sheringham.Inside The Reef leisure centre in Sheringham. (Image: NNDC)

But Stuart Jardine, contract manager from Everyone Active, which runs the Reef, said the numbers showed the new centre had won the public's hearts. 

"It’s been a fantastic first year for the Reef," he added. 

"We knew the centre would be popular but we’ve been bowled over by the level of demand and it’s amazing to see.

"We are thrilled that so many people are enjoying the centre and experiencing the wide range of activities on offer.

"Our prices are extremely fair and, in return, the public are getting state-of-the-art facilities which are accessible to everyone, no matter what your age, ability or interests."

Mr Jardine said more than 1,500 people had taken out fitness memberships, while the number receiving swimming lessons at the site has increased to 420.

Eastern Daily Press: Stuart Jardine outside The Reef in Sheringham.Stuart Jardine outside The Reef in Sheringham. (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Virginia Gay, portfolio holder for leisure, wellbeing and culture at North Norfolk District Council, which owns the centre, said: "It’s been a wonderful opening year at the Reef for the council, for Everyone Active and for the thousands of users who enjoy our state-of-the-art facility.

"We’re pleased that north Norfolk has such a leisure offering for everyone to enjoy regardless of age and ability, from first-time users to the super-athletes who took part in the triathlon.

"The Reef is open for everyone, and we look forward to another great year.”

The centre includes a 25m main pool, a learner pool, splash pad, gym, fitness studios and a café.

Mr Jardine added: "We are really positive that we can grow our membership numbers over the next year and that the local community will get the most out of this fantastic centre." 

To find out more the Reef, everyoneactive.com/centre/the-reef-leisure-centre.