Swimmers are being turned away from a public pool which sprung a leak just two years after it opened.

Technical staff realised the water levels were falling while youngsters splashed around in the Aztec Fun Pool at the Triangle Leisure Centre in Burgess Hill.

The £13.5 million centre was officially opened by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh just two years ago.

Staff tested the water level several times before deciding to close the pool after technicians confirmed the water was rapidly draining shortly after midday on Saturday.

Youngsters were allowed to play and leave in their own time, as staff felt the water was not draining so fast it would become a problem, but youngsters trying to get into the pool were turned away.

Staff called in a team of contractors, who discovered a leak. It could be weeks before the damage is repaired.

A Mid Sussex Council spokeswoman said the pool was likely to remain closed until at least March 10. She could not say how much the repair work will cost.

Hundreds of youngsters use the pool, which is equipped with water slides and other fun facilities.

The Triangle Centre's main competition pool and the rest of the centre's facilities will stay open and staff have organised special events while the repair work is being carried out.

These include a giant Atlantis inflatable session at the Dolphin Centre in Haywards Heath on Saturday March 3 and a children's activity session in the Triangle's Arena from 10am to noon on Sunday March 4.