Olympic rowing hero Sir Steve Redgrave officially opened a £370,000 hydrotherapy and swimming pool for disabled people.

People paid £2-a-time for signed Polaroid photographs of the gold medallist, 41, at 120-pupil Hazel Court Primary School in Shinewater, Eastbourne.

Sir Steve's charitable trust, the Sir Steve Redgrave Charitable Trust, contributed £15,000 towards the pool's building costs.

It has taken eight years to rise enough money for the pool, taking three years to raise the first £10,000 through fund-raising events alone.

Now it is open to people during term-time but headteacher Peter Gordon is urging more contributions to enable it to open during holidays.

It is hoped securing a further £10,000 will allow the pool to stay open during holiday time for up to four years, helping disabled youngsters across Eastbourne.

Mr Gordon says the pool can increase the lifespan of the profoundly handicapped and it was today being fitted with soothing lights and music equipment.

He said: "It is really a fun and relaxed environment in which they can do their stretches. And to have Sir Steve visit was fantastic.

"He was so nice with everyone, even though he must have had at least 100 camera flashes popping at one point."