VOLUNTEERS who fought to save their village swimming pool have invited Government chief whip Hilary Armstrong to launch its summer activities.

Wolsingham Community Swimming Pool is open to the public after a hard-fought campaign to keep it open.

The facility closed in March last year after Wear Valley District Council said it could no longer pay a £20,000-a-year subsidy.

Since then, campaigners have formed a limited company - Wolsingham Community Pool Limited - and will run the pool as a charity.

The group has invited Ms Armstrong, who is also the local MP, to launch the summer activities on Friday.