SEA-LIFE Centre on Southend seafront reopens on Saturday after a £1million redevelopment.

It now boasts a tropical shark tank holding over 195 tonnes of water, with black tip reef sharks and an array of colourful fish such as tangs and wrasses.

The restaurant has been extended and rebranded the Three Shells at Sea-Life Adventure.

This refurbishment is the first major development work since Sea-Life Adventure was bought in 2000 by the Stockvale Group, which also operates Adventure Island.

SPECIAL REPORT AND PICTURES IN FRIDAY'S ECHO