Some of the volunteers who attended the workday.

THE Lazonby and district swimming pool has had a makeover in preparation for the new season, which is set to begin earlier than normal this year.

Some of the volunteers who attended the workday.

More than 20 people of all ages helped to complete some of the many jobs that needed doing before the opening of the community-run pool.

On a beautiful sunny day they painted, varnished, jet washed and did gardening, gave equipment a spring clean and stencilled in readiness for the pool opening on Saturday, 23rd April.

This is probably the earliest start date in the pool’s 47-year history and was chosen by the committee in a bid to take advantage of the Easter holidays and extra long Spring Bank Holiday being so close together.

Chairman Christine Hill said: “After the winter a lot of maintenance and preparation work needs to be carried out before we can open the pool to the public. It was great to see so many local people here to help ensure we’re able to achieve our planned opening date.”

After a disappointing end to the summer of 2010 when, due to the heavy rainfall in August, the pool had a £3,000 operating loss, the committee is hoping to cash in on this longer opening period.

The pool, which is heated to around 26C, will be open daily until the end of August. There are two pools one ideal for toddlers qualified lifeguards on duty at all times, a kiosk selling a variety of refreshments and a large picnic area.

The pool, along with the newly-opened community park and playground nearby and pool-run campsite provides a great recreation area for people of all ages.

BELOW: Some of the volunteers who attended the workday.