An outdoor pool has received a £30,000 donation to complete refurbishments and improvements.

Beccles Lido has received the donation from a legacy fund from the estate of the late Peter Hinsley.

The money will go towards new picnic tables and benches and a complete upgrade of the shower area later this year, with any surplus going towards meeting other costs at the pool.

East Anglian Daily Times: Shaun Crowley (left) is presented with the £30,000 chequeShaun Crowley (left) is presented with the £30,000 cheque (Image: Beccles Lido)

Beccles Lido managing director Shaun Crowley said: “There are many projects that we have had to put on hold as our energy bills have escalated, so any donation, large or small, is always very welcome.  

"The cost of living has made running the lido very challenging at times and we are very grateful for the support of the community.

"This fantastic donation will allow us to carry out two of these projects, for which we are extremely grateful.”

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East Anglian Daily Times: Beccles Lido by Sonya DuncanBeccles Lido by Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Executors Sprake & Kingsley Solicitors in Bungay and trustees of the estate selected Beccles Lido to receive the donation and support their 2024 programme of upgrades and improvements.

This legacy follows another donation in 2023 from the will of lido supporter Ruth Wright, which helped to meet last year’s costs.

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The lido is planning a number of other grant-funded improvements this year and will be shut from 29 April, reopening on May 18 for its fully heated summer season.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lido Volunteer Lyndsay Davies ahead of the 2016 summer seasonLido Volunteer Lyndsay Davies ahead of the 2016 summer season (Image: Nick Butcher)

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In the meantime, this weekend sees the last chill swims, and the pool temperature will be a more inviting 22 degrees from Thursday, March 28.

There will be lane swimming from Tuesday to Sunday every week, and a four-week membership for regular swimmers.

With the Easter Holidays early this year, Big Dog Ferry also launches on 28 March, with regular trips between the Lido and the Locks Inn Community Pub in Geldeston.

East Anglian Daily Times: Julian Claxton's aerial shot of a stretch of the river Waveney near the Geldeston LocksJulian Claxton's aerial shot of a stretch of the river Waveney near the Geldeston Locks (Image: Julian Claxton)