THE CAMPAIGN to reopen Otley's outdoor swimming pool has marked its next stage with a grand unveiling.

A series of specially decorated hoardings are now on display at the site of the town's former lido, in Wharfemeadows Park.

The Friends of Otley Lido had draped beach towels over the boards, which bear messages centred around the theme of Help Us Make a Big Splash, before the big reveal on Saturday, October 22.

The hoardings also sport the group's logo and details of its work to date after securing a 12 month exclusivity agreement with site owners, Leeds City Council, to produce a business plan to restore the pool.

Friends of Otley Lido Chairman Leonie Sharp was joined by Otley Lions President Gareth Dibble - the Lions have named the campaign as its charity for the year - at Saturday's unveiling.

She said: "This has been a collaborative effort by all of these friends supporting our project.

"The hoardings were originally put up by Neal Jeffrey and have have been designed by Zeppo Creative, organised by the Friends Of Otley Lido, printed by Image Co Ltd, had their background painting done by decorator Alan Peel and the paint was supplied by Beks of Otley.

"A special mention also goes to Philip Longthorn for his moral support and the screwdrivers, and to Otley Lions' mascot Chip who did the honours as the special guest of his President, Gareth Dibble and his consort, Rebecca Dibble.

"We are so proud to have been chosen as the Otley Lions' charity of the year and it is crucial that we have their support."

The campaign, meanwhile, is in with a chance of winning up to £25,000 from this year's Aviva Community Fund Competition - if enough people vote for it.

Voting, with each registered voter able to vote ten times, is open until November 18 and votes can be cast at avivacommunityfund.co.uk .

Leonie said: "This funding is vital for us in our campaign to restore the Otley Lido.

"It would be used to help fund the vital next phase of the restoration project, which is to commission a professional feasibility study through architects 3XA.

"We’d love for the community to get behind us and use all ten of their available votes for our project once the voting opens.

"Please don’t wait to cast your votes as the earlier the better as it means we'll have a stronger chance of being in the running."

A variety of illustrated memories from people who used to swim at Otley lido, meanwhile, can also be seen on the new hoardings.

They range from happy recollections, such as 'Getting your season ticket and going every day regardless of the weather', to less fond memories including of 'those terrible changing rooms with rippled concrete floor'.

Opened in 1924, the outdoor pool in Otley closed in 1993.