TYCOON Eddie Shah has grand plans for the Wiltshire leisure industry after opening his new luxury health and leisure club at Wootton Bassett.

Mr Shah fell in love with the old Wootton Bassett golf club when he first saw it and decided he had to buy it in order to make something of it.

He said: "My wife is from Salisbury and I have always loved Wiltshire.

"I first saw the Wootton Bassett club four years ago and as soon as I saw the views from the golf course I knew I could do something really special with it.

"At that time the price was too high, but when I saw it on the market again earlier this year I knew I had to have it.."

The exclusive club, now called the Wiltshire Golf and Country Club, boasts a swimming pool, gym, restaurant, bar, viewing area, golf course, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. A creche is planned for later in the month.

Mr Shah said: "There is really nothing like this in the area, it is an exclusive club, but it is not restricted to members only, we are pleased to see everybody.

"We are also very welcoming to families. Most health clubs don't encourage children, but we will have a creche and a baby pool and junior steam room and sauna so it will be a place for the whole family to enjoy themselves.

"The bit we are really proud of is the techno-gym. When you first come in you are assessed and given your own fitness programme. You are given a key to put in the machine, and every time you come you put in the key and the machine goes to your own personal fitness programme.

"We are also aiming to make the place a real hub of the community, like an old fashioned village hall.

"We have the rotary club meeting here every month and we are encouraging more community groups to come and meet in some really nice surroundings," he said. "We are also building a wedding suite for wedding functions, with a really beautiful special garden and wishing well."

But he said: "I think the most special thing about the club is the views.

"We have huge windows along the side of the gym and swimming pool, and to be able to see this wonderful view over the hills as you work out is something really special.

"I think Wiltshire is so beautiful we will definitely be looking to expand in this area if the opportunity comes up. "

To christen the club Mr Shah has something really special planned.

He said: "For the official opening we are going to throw the mayor into the pool fully clothed, which should be fun for everyone.

"We have got a few councillors coming as well. I'm not sure they have agreed to go into the pool yet, but maybe we can persuade them."

In return for Wootton Bassett Mayor Peter Roberts' loss of dignity, Mr Shah will be making a donation towards his mayoral charity, Burton Hill special school in Malmesbury.

The country club is having an open day with cheese and wine this weekend (March 22-23), allowing people to try out the new facilities for free. Opening hours on both days are 10am to 4pm.