CHILDREN in Weardale made a big splash as they celebrated the opening of their community swimming pool at the weekend.

More than 30 swimmers turned out in the first hour as the doors opened at Wolsingham Community Swimming Pool on Saturday.

It was a heartwarming sight for campaigners who have been fighting for a year to reopen the pool.

The pool closed in March last year after Wear Valley District Council announced it could no longer pay a £20,000 a year subsidy.

Since then campaigners have formed a limited company called Wolsingham Community Pool Ltd and intend to run the pool as a charitable concern. It will be open every day during half term from 10am until 4pm with evening sessions until 9pm tonight. During term time it will be open Monday-Friday, from 4pm-9pm and from 10am-4pm at weekends.

Chairman of the new company Maggie Deytrikh said seeing so many people turn out for Saturday's opening made all the hard work worthwhile.

She said: "Having 35 swimmers turn out in the first hour just goes to show how the public have responded to the closure.

"I am delighted to hear the sound of children playing in the pool once more. It is wonderful.

"We have brought in Simon Pugh, who is an energetic new manager, and we are looking forward to the future. I hope the public will continue to support us in the same way as they have today"