DARTMOUTH’S indoor swimming pool dream finally came true today after more than half a century of planning, fundraising and dogged determination.

Olympic gold medalist Duncan Goodhew cut the ribbon on the new complex next to the leisure centre in a prestigious ceremony attend by pool trustees, civic dignitaries and supporters.

The swimming celebrity, who won a gold medal for the men’s 100m breast stroke in 1980, invited local schoolchildren to take the plunge with him in the pool after it was blessed with holy water by Dartmouth vicar Fr Will Hazlewood.

A plaque was unveiled and a reception followed. Among those present were representatives of there pool’s three main backers - Devon County Council, South Hams District Council and Dartmouth Town Council.