THE future looks bright for Petersfield's open-air swimming pool following a hugely encouraging start to the summer season.

The "jewel in the crown of Petersfield" was officially opened last Saturday morning by long-term supporter Viv Mays.

The announcement led to a wave of applause and a flood of visitors – with the pool taking more than £2,600 on its first day of business.

Gate receipts accounted for around £1,500 of that total with the remainder coming from people buying season tickets.

Pool committee chairman Rodney Clarke was thrilled with the number of visitors and hailed the "fantastic" first-day takings.

Bosses have splashed out on a number of minor improvements around the pool since closing for the winter. The facility now boasts a coffee machine and improved picnic area while fences have also been repaired and painted by a working party.

The attraction off the Festival Hall car park will be awash with fundraisers this weekend when it hosts a swimathon for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Swimmers who took part in last year's challenge raised nearly £2,900 for the charity and Sport Relief.

But supporters want to raise even more this year with the fun starting this evening (Friday) and continuing throughout the weekend.

People who would rather cheer from the sidelines can do their bit by sponsoring a swimmer or volunteering to be a lap counter.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Mrs Bisset on 01730 263429 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected].

The pool is open daily from 11.30am to 2pm, 3pm to 6pm and 7pm to 8pm (adults only).