Two Olympic medallists will be performing soon in Mid Sussex.

Because of their Sydney success, Joanne Goode and Simon Archer will be the most important visitors to The Triangle leisure centre since it was opened by the Queen last year.

Badminton bronze winners Joanne and Simon will star at the centre, in Jane Murray Way, Burgess Hill, among top-ranking players at the second tournament of the four-round grand slam on December 16 and 17.

Joanne, from Bognor, created British sporting history by gaining the first British Olympic medal in her sport with Simon, her mixed doubles partner.

She overcame injury to reach Sydney and also had to get back into peak condition after stopping playing for a while so she could start a family.

It is hoped her success will promote a surge of interest in badminton and encourage councils to invest more in the sport.

The £13 million Triangle centre was opened by the Queen in March 1999 and has some of the best sports facilities in Britain.

It has already hosted major badminton events and appeared on Sky television.

In December's event, players accumulate points throughout the series of events, culminating in the top point scorers going forward to the finals in Chester.

Councillor Mike Gilks, chairman of leisure at Mid Sussex District Council, said: "Having been an umpire myself at national and international matches, I know this will be a very exciting spectacle.

"I am looking forward to giving the players a real Mid Sussex welcome at our state-of-the-art venue."

Tickets for the event will be available shortly.