TWO of Wales' swimming stars David Davies and Liz Johnson will be making a splash in Newport this week to officially launch the building work of the city's new swimming pool

David Davies, who won bronze in the 1500 metres in Athens, and Liz Johnson, who won silver in the 100 metre breaststroke at the Paralympics, will join the Mayor of Newport, Councillor Paul Cockeram at a special ceremony to celebrate the new pool on Thursday.

Newport council has injected £3.7 million into the project, while the Sports Council Wales has set aside £1.5 million from its National Lottery budget.

The new facility will boast:

* A 25 metre, eight lane pool, with moveable floor

* A 20 metre teaching/ training pool

* Changing facilities

* Spectator Seating

* A wheelchair viewing area

* Fitness suite

* Club/meeting room

The three floodlit tennis courts, multi-use games area and cycle speedway which are currently on site will be relocated to accommodate the new facility.

Councillor John Guy, cabinet member for culture and recreation, said: "This is a great facility for the people of Newport. It will encourage young people to take up competitive swimming and other water-based disciplines, it will benefit the local community and it is a step towards a healthier and fitter Wales."

The Sports Council for Wales chairman, Philip Carling, said: "This development is certainly one of the best in Wales, if not the UK. The array of sporting facilities work well together and the local authority must be commended for its work."