Representatives from Cannock Chase Council, Sport England, Rugeley's two high schools and parish councils joined other guests at the event at Rugeley Leisure Centre.

The first piece of ground was cut on site to mark the beginning of the £4.25 million construction.

In addition to the 25 metre, six lane pool and new hall, the project includes an extension to the leisure centre's fitness suite and new multi-purpose room.

The new pool replaces the old, outdated facility at Hagley Park Sports College which no longer met the needs of the community and has been closed to the public for some time.

Members of the public were widely consulted about the plans, most recently at the Vision into Reality events at the Rose Theatre in Rugeley and Chase Leisure Centre in Cannock.

Speeches were made at Friday's ceremony by Cannock Chase Council Leader Cllr Stanley, Cannock Chase Council's Vice Chairman Cllr Ray Easton, Regional Director of Sport England Steve Town, Chair of Governors at Hagley Park Sports College Keith Fletcher and Andy Drake, Chair of Governors at Fair Oak Business and Enterprise College.

Work on the development will get underway next month and it is anticipated it will be completed in March 2008.