BEWDLEY'S paddling pool reopened with a splash last weekend, after its future was secured by the Friends of Riverside North Park.

Fears for the future of the paddling pool had been allayed last month, when it was announced the charity group would take over running the facility, following an agreement with Wyre Forest District Council.

And to celebrate, the Friends of Riverside Park reopened the pool for the summer holidays with a Pirate Party for youngsters on Saturday (July 15).

Mac Chamberlain, chairman of the Friends group, officially cut the ribbon to declare the pool open for the next seven weeks. Bewdley Mayor, Councillor Anna Coleman, was also on hand to cut the yellow ribbon to unveil the park's new tree sculpture.

As well as the opening of the pool, there was pirate themed crafts, a pirate cake, face painting and music and entertainment.

The party also kick started the group's fundraising appeal to pay for the pool's running costs and future development - with donations rolling in from the 'This is Bewdley' Facebook page, the Co-Op garage and other Bewdley businesses.

Jenny Chamberlain, secretary for the Friends group, said: "There has been a lot of behind the scenes work in securing the lease for the paddling pool, but now the hard work really begins as we have to raise the funds to run it.

"These have to be in place by February 1, every year."

The group are appealing for residents to help support in any way, by attending their meetings - held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Guildhall, from 7.30pm.

For more information, visit friendsofriversidenorthpark.co.uk or search for 'Friends of Riverside North Park' on Facebook.