VOLUNTEERS who run a rural open air swimming pool that almost closed six years ago have been given an award.

The group, which runs Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool, will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace this summer to collect their Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The pool, at Stanhope, County Durham, is run on a voluntary basis by residents for the benefit of residents and tourists in the summer.

Volunteer Eileen Stoner said: "The pool is an important facility for our children during the summer. It gives them something fun to do which keeps them off the street and fit.

"It is also an important help to our local economy as an attraction to the many visitors we have to the dale in the summer holidays staying at our many caravan parks."

The pool almost closed six years ago. Despite the hard work of volunteers, the pool was in disrepair due to a lack of funding.

After an emergency community meeting, a committee was put together to save the pool.

Now the group has carried out refurbishment of the poolside, boiler, pumps, changing rooms and kitchen. It has also created disabled facilities.

The volunteers plan to raise money to develop a conservatory with a cafe so families can watch their children have fun in comfort, as well as providing a function room for the community.

As well as the trip to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and collect the award, there will also be a formal presentation at the pool next month by the Lord Lieutenant.