A DIVING club has solved a sticky situation at the new swimming pool in Stanley.

The £5.7m pool, at the Louisa Centre, opens to the public at noon on Monday.

During tests, the main pool's water filter was turned off for a while and dirt gathered at the bottom. While most was removed when the filter was switched back on, a layer remained stuck to the tiles.

Pool bosses called in a sub-aqua club with specialist gear to ensure the pool was spotless.

Five members of the Reefseekers Diving Club got to work with an underwater vacuum cleaner and scrubbing brushes. One of the team, Caroline Kilburn, said: "There were just a few bits that the filter couldn't pick up and we finished it off. It was something a bit different for us and we really enjoyed it."

Bobby Hewitson, of the Louisa Centre, said: "We want to get as many people as possible in over the summer. We have introduced a temporary programme, with a lot of public swimming time, and will bring in a more formal structure in September."

The first 100 children paying to use the pool will receive a free goodie bag. For further details call the Louisa Centre on (01207) 218877. The Reefseekers meet at Belle Vue Leisure Centre, Consett, every Wednesday, 8pm to 10pm. For details call (01207) 590157.