Paralympic hero David Weir today officially opened the £11m state-of-the-art Westcroft Leisure Centre.

The four time London 2012 Gold Medalist, who is aiming for his record seventh London Marathon title in April, unveiled a plaque to commemorate his success.

Weir appeared on stage with BBC commentator Paul Dickenson and the borough’s Mayor councillor Sean Brennan, to formally open the centre following its multi-million pound refit, and praised the facility as "a work of art."

David said: "It's a real privilege to get this opportunity to officially open Westcroft in my home town. Sutton did so much for me while as I grew up so it’s an honour to be in this position.

"I’ve been round the centre now and it is quite simply fabulous. The equipment I’ve seen and the pool facilities are equal to anything I’ve trained on so maybe this centre can create the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic champions."

Councillor Jill Whitehead, chairwoman of Sutton’s environment and neighbourhoods committee, said: "Having David – a real local hero – join us to open Westcroft is a pleasure and shows the high regard in which this new centre is held.

"We're dedicated to providing the best quality sports facilities for all our residents as we look to build a healthy future for everyone in the borough.

This centre has seen a huge amount of time and effort spent to make sure it can host top quality events and I’m certain people will enjoy getting fit in its spacious and vibrant environments."

Work to the centre has seen the development of a 160 station gym, two different sized swimming pools, an eight badminton court sized multi-use sports hall, a day spa, dance and spinning studios, crèche, café and library.

It caters for people with a variety of disabilities with lift access throughout, electronic hoists in the swimming pool changing area, a disability swimming session on Wednesday evenings and private shower areas.

The gym also contains wheelchair accessible equipment.