A GROUP of children from All Saints Primary School will make a big splash at Ilkley open air pool on Saturday to launch the reopening of the popular attraction.

The lagoon-shaped pool, which was rated among the top ten lidos in the country by the Independent newspaper, will be open every day from Saturday until September.

Staff at the pool are hoping for a hot summer to woo the crowds. Last year the pool attracted as many as 2,000 people on the hottest days.

The lido, on Denton Road, includes diving and paddling areas, a caf and large grassed areas for sunbathing. There is also an indoor heated pool in the grounds.

Ilkley district and parish councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the executive member for the environment, said: "The re-opening of the lido is a welcome reminder that summer has arrived and I hope there are many sunny days to come to attract the crowds to this wonderful facility.

"Ilkley pool is one of the few lidos in the North of England and a great asset for the town and the whole district. It makes a great day out."

Ilkley pool is open from 10am to 5.30pm on weekends throughout the summer and on weekdays from 11.30am to 7.30pm until July 20, and from 10am to 7.30pm after that.