DISABLED children and adults in South Lakeland are set to make a splash in the newly-refurbished Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool which opens in Kendal today.

South Lakeland Hydrotherapy Trust has invested £190,000 in the redevelopment of the facilities to give the pool a new lease of life by making it more accessible and user-friendly.

Sue Andrews, trust chairman, said: "I am immensely proud of our achievement in raising the funds needed for the vital and exciting redevelopment of the pool.

"Modernising the facilities have meant that we have been able to enlarge the car parking spaces, make the changing rooms more user-friendly, and we have been able to add a specialised changing room for the severely disabled.”

The pool, funded through grants from local authorities and charity fundraising, is maintained and managed by Cumbria County Council and will be opened by council chairman, Coun Norman Clarkson, with a plaque unveiling at 2.45pm.

Coun Geoff Cook, chairman of CCC's South Lakeland Local Committee, said: “The local committee has a long-standing commitment to this invaluable community asset and contributes considerable funding every year to secure the future of the pool.

"We wish to thank the trust for their tremendous efforts in raising the monies donated by the people of the South Lakes and local businesses to improve the ageing facilities”.

Coun Norman Clarkson added: “I am delighted that, despite budget pressures, the council has been able to maintain this important facility for disabled children and those in rehabilitation in the local community.

" It’s a lovely facility and I am honoured to have been invited to perform the official opening and unveil a plaque to commemorate the event.”

Facilities provided at the therapeutic heated pool include exercises, rehabilitation, social interaction, enjoyment and relaxation, and support for some of the most disadvantaged in the area.

The pool caters for up to 500 users each week.