DURHAM City Swimming Baths has celebrated its 70th birthday - and despite several overhauls remains largely as it would have appeared to early users.
Opened by Lord Barnard in September 1932, the baths, on Elvet Waterside, were originally opened for swimming, washing and, as a bathhouse with hot coals used to heat the water. It has also been used for boxing, with boards taped across the pool to support the ring.
Although some of the facilities have undergone several updates, with the heating now gas powered, much of the pool area retains its pre-war feel, with the original glazed brick still in place.
The two pools remain well used by locals and by Durham City Swimming Club, while the baths are also home to the city's waterpolo team.
To mark the anniversary, regular Monday morning swimmers, some of the baths' most regular users, formed the shape of a 70 in the water.
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