Ref. 30097-42GLORIOUS sunshine greeted swimmers taking their first dip of the season in Highworth's open air pool.

Sun seekers were queuing up to make a splash and cool down in the lido, at the Rec, which opened over the weekend.

Thomas Ovenden, 12, from Highworth, couldn't wait to dive in.

He said: "The weather is brilliant. I hope it's like this every weekend."

Sarah Bastin, 12, and her brother, Andrew, 10, were equally excited, and had great fun swimming in the sun.

A party atmosphere held sway as swimmers and spectators soaked up the sun and enjoyed picnics by the pool.

Besides selling hot dogs, tiles were also on sale as part of the fundraising campaign to build a new roof so the pool can be used all year.

At present it is open from now until September.

Emily Woodhead, 12, travelled from Blunsdon to take a dip.

She said: "It was well worth coming. The weather is like summer."

Joanne Wright, 13, from Highworth, also intends to make full use of the facility.

She said: "I want to come every weekend. It's a great place to come with your friends and play ball games in the pool."

The roof campaign aims to raise £800,000 and so far the total stands at £402,000.

But with temperatures reaching 20 degrees Celsius, swimmers were only too pleased to be out in the fresh air.

Phil Baker, chairman of the executive committee of The Rec, said: "This is the perfect start to the season. We are looking forward to bumper crowds at the pool this year."

The pool opens seven days a week and offers various sessions, including early morning swims, lane swimming and fun sessions.

For more information call 01793 762602.

Victoria Tagg