NORTH Lancashire villagers will be back in the swim at last when their much-loved pool reopens on Monday, April 9.

Hornby's swimming pool has been saved by the volunteers of the Lune Valley Community Trust, who were determined to keep the Melling Road building afloat for future generations.

The pool opened in 1977 but was mothballed by Lancaster County Council in March 2017 due to budget cuts. Campaigners launched a share pledge scheme raising thousands of pounds thanks to well-wishers as far afield as Peru and the USA.

Generations of villagers from Hornby and surrounding communities have learned to swim in Hornby's 15-metre-long waters, where an open weekend is to be celebrated on Saturday and Sunday, April 7 and 8.

Everyone is welcome to visit and suggest ideas for the building's future, as well as enjoy a swim, space permitting.

A new name - the Lune Valley Community Pool - has been announced, and campaigners say they are looking forward to the return of school children for swimming lessons as the summer term begins.

Some schools have booked classes elsewhere for now, due to uncertainty over when the pool would definitely reopen, and campaigners say they are hoping to attract as many users as possible to boost their takings.

They would love to hear from clubs, societies, friendship groups and PTAs. For more, phone 01524-805666 or email lunevalleycs@gmail.com