EXCITED schoolchildren were the first to try out the eagerly anticipated £5.2 million swimming pool (pictured) at the Newport International Sports Village yesterday.

The spacious, light-filled poolside area has more than 500 seats for spectators and a moveable pool floor which changes the depth of the water, accommodating everyone from schoolchildren to top-flight, international swimmers.

The first to take a dip were pupils from Liswerry Junior School, who have followed the progress of the pool from the start.

Bosses are expecting about 300,000 people a year to use the pool - and hopes Olympic swimmers will train at the pool when London hosts the 2012 games.

A free bus service will run for a limited time from Newport city centre to the pool during the opening weeks.

It is the latest addition to Newport International Sports Village.

The site already has a tennis complex, squash courts, an artificial turf pitch, a velodrome, cricket pitches, a football and athletics stadium and a number of gyms.

Newport council now has plans for a skate park and a BMX track on the site.

The South East Wales Regional Swimming Pool, as it is named, is 25 metres long and has an eight-lane competition pool, fitness suite and a teaching pool.

It was built by local firm Midas Construction Ltd and funded by Newport city council and the Sports Council for Wales.

Councillor Ron Jones, cabinet member for culture and recreation, said: "It's tremendous - an excellent facility. I think residents will be delighted.

"It's another great day in the history of sporting facilities in Newport."