September 27 2012.

The Downs Leisure Centre in Seaford celebrated its 25th birthday yesterday, with a birthday cake, some very special offers and a display board of pictures from the past.

Customers, suppliers and staff, both past and present, came together for a small birthday party in Cafe Wave, which was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Seaford, Cllr. Antony White, and representatives from Lewes District Council.

The leisure centre was built in 1986 and opened in September 1987 with a sports hall, three community rooms, a bowling hall and a cafe/bar. Before that the building had been used by Seaford Urban District Council and originally a Victorian girl's school.

In the last 25 years, the bowls hall has become Dino's soft play centre, the gym has moved to a larger location in Blatchington Hall and the bar was revamped when the cafe was extended.

Late 2012 will also see the completion of the extension to the studio, giving access to larger and more classes for residents of Seaford and the surrounding area.

Peter Crowley, managing director of Wave Leisure Trust said: "Many of us remember the centre opening in 1987, and we have seen a number of local residents over the years take part in an active lifestyle. We are delighted that some of our customers then are still attending regularly today."