WHEN it opened in August 1986 it was billed as East Lancashire first water fun centre and for the next 29 years it would certainly live up to that claim.

Waves in Blackburn wasn’t simply a swimming pool. It boasted, what was then, a state-of-the-art wave machine which when the siren sounded created a swell which lifted everyone in the water off their feet.

Then there was the water flume, a massive curving slide which took those brave enough to try it outside the building before they completed their high-speed descent into the pool.

Many people also have fond memories of the birthday parties which could be booked there and the special events, often involving a variety of inflatables. Waves even held disco nights and fancy dress parties.

In 2015 it was closed and subsequently demolished, its running costs deemed too high by Blackburn with Darwen Council. In its place has risen the new Reel Cinema offering a different attraction for families. But for many Waves remains special.