Newcastle pool celebrates 25 years with free swims for local residents

Jesmond swimming pool is offering free swims this Easter holiday. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees/PA

People in Newcastle will be able to enjoy a free swim on Wednesday to celebrate 25 years since the opening of a local swimming pool.

Jesmond Pool was closed by the council in 1991 due to budget cuts, but residents rallied together to form a charity and restore it.

Staff at the pool are thanking local residents for their support by offering freeswims all day.

There will be birthday cake, free gifts and displays about the history of the building.

The Pool, first opened in 1938, was closed in March 1991 by Newcastle CityCouncil. The community rallied together, formed a new charitable company and re-opened the pool a year later in April 1992.

The new company went on to add a gym, sauna, steam room and activityroom with lottery support in 2003. A further gym and therapy centre added in 2015.

Chair of Trustees at the pool, Annette Hames, said: