A new mini-water park has opened at a leisure centre.

The Aztec-themed splash pad at Maidstone Leisure Centre is part of a £2.5 million revamp.

It features totem poles, colourful slides and water cannons.

The original flume, penguin pool, and river run have all been removed to make way for the new attraction.

Andy Brading, vice chairman of the Maidstone Leisure Trust, said: “We are delighted to introduce the splash pad at Maidstone Leisure Centre.

“This exciting new feature is part of ongoing efforts to enhance our facilities and provide fun, safe and inclusive opportunities for the community.

“We believe the fantastic attraction for families will be a refreshing way to stay active and enjoy the summer months.”

The new addition has capacity for 120 visitors and is suitable for small children as well as those with reduced mobility and disabilities.

It forms part of a major upgrade to the centre, which has also seen improvements made to the cafe, gym equipment and soft play area.

The multi-million-pound refurb follows fears it could have been forced to close last year.

Its future was discussed at a Maidstone council meeting in December after councillors were told the cost of maintaining the swimming pool and gym had rocketed by £1 million.

In January, it announced it would be extending its contract with Maidstone Leisure Trust and Serco and would be investing in giving the centre a facelift.

The council has long-term plans to replace it with a new £60m complex once that expires, however.