30/07/04 - Cllr Tomlinson Opens New Pirate Ship

Pirates of the miniature kind stormed aboard a galleon when it sailed into Swindon's Oasis Leisure Centre.

Youngsters visiting the leisure centre can now play on the ship, which staff at the centre are expecting to prove hugely popular.

Aimed at children under eight, it has been designed to fit in with the tropical lagoon theme at the Oasis.

It is about 12 metres long and features include a triple slide from the middle deck down into the small teaching pool.

There are also cannons on deck with working water jets, a ship's wheel which operates water spouts in the masts and a crow's nest that tips water out over the pool.

Coun Justin Tomlinson opened the galleon and also launched a competition to find a name for the boat.

The winning name will be announced on August 31 and the winner will receive a month's free swimming at the pool.

Coun Tomlinson, lead member for Swindon Services, said: "The pirate ship is an exciting, hands-on addition to the popular Oasis pool.

"I am sure the kids will enjoy a swashbuckling, hearty great time using the new pirate ship.

"We were conscious that the older kids had the domebusters and the triple slide, so it was time for the young ones to get their own attraction."