BOASTING two water flumes, a wave machine and palm trees imported from Florida, Bolton's Water Place opened its doors for the first time in 1988.

Officially launched by Her Majesty the Queen on December 1 that year, the £5.8 million complex hoped to herald a new era of swimming and fun in Bolton.

Who remembers getting kicked in the face going through the river rapids? Or the elephants seemingly flying overhead? Or what about being peered at by passers-by as you queued on the stairs for the slide?

The Bolton News:

The Queen officially opens the Water Place in 1988.

Built over two floors, The Water Place also had river rides, cascades, disco music, a cafeteria, gym, meeting rooms and offices.

The Water Place finally closed in 2002 with debts of £750,000, leaving the town centre without any public swimming facilities until the opening of the £34 million Bolton One in 2012.

What are your memories of The Water Place? Let us know in the comments section below