IT'S a case of going back to where it all began as the ribbon was cut on a brand new state of the art swimming pool in the centre of Barons Quay.

Puddle Ducks, an organisation helping children take their first strokes and kicks in the water, began in the town nearly 20 years ago and is now back with a bespoke pool of its very own.

For founder Jo Stone, the journey from giving lessons in a school swimming pool to now, with Puddle Ducks a hugely successful franchise, is one filled to the brim with pride.

She said: "I can't tell you how proud I am today to be launching our swimming pool

"It's a fantastic state of the art pool, which has been built purposely for children aged from nought to around 10 or 11.

"It's all about them learning to swim in a fun and engaging way.

"We're so pleased to be back in Northwich.

"Our original classes started here almost twenty years ago so to bring it back with our very first bespoke premises is just fantastic.

"I'm just so proud it's all happening in Northwich."

Northwich Guardian: Jo Stone, the founder of Puddleducks said she is so proud with the new pool

Jo Stone, co-founder of Puddleducks said she is so proud with the new pool

The location of the pool, in a shopping centre originally conceived to be concentrated on retail, makes it one of the most unique facilities in the country.

"The most important thing is that the facilities are right for the children," Jo added.

"We want the facilities to match the really high standards of our lessons.

"Our teachers are such an amazing crowd.

"We've already got more than 600 swimmers here already, but we've actually got scope for twice that number.

"The reaction from parents so far has been so positive, they seem to really love it.

"I've had coffee with a few of them already and they all say how stunning the facilities are."

Northwich Guardian: The pool was opening in Barons Quay on Thursday September 23

The pool was opened in Barons Quay on Thursday September 23

The idea behind the business has always been about trying to teach as many young children as possible to swim and there are now 33 franchises across the UK with more than 20,000 coming to lessons every week.

"This pool at Barons Quay is the first step towards that second goal of having centres across the UK," Jo went on to say.

"The idea being that we have facilities to match the brilliant lessons that we've got.

"There are so many people to thank and they have all helped us on the journey where we are today."

Northwich Mayor Sam Naylor, said the opening of the pool was a really coup for the town and said it demonstrated the flexibility of Barons Quay as a destination.

He said: "This is a fantastic new facility for Northwich.

"Barons Quay was designed as a retail concept, but we've had to change that model to include things like entertainment and being a go-to destination.

"It's about trying to get a whole range of different facilities here to make it a success.

"Facilities such as this are just an amazing addition to the town.

"I'm really passionate about getting kids fit and there's not better way than to get them in a pool and swimming."