Ross Davenport and Ryan Taylor cut the ribbon with the Mayor of Matlock, Cllr David Hughes.
It was 85 years to the day since the lido at the New Bath Hotel first opened when two of the county's Olympic, Commonwealth and Paralympic athletes, a host of well-wishers and local schoolchildren gathered to mark the re-opening of England's only outdoor lido fed by thermal spring water.
Except for the fact the sun was shining, it was a replica of the first opening in 1934 as Ross Davenport and Ryan Taylor cut the ribbon with the Mayor of Matlock, Cllr David Hughes. A sheaf of white heather was tossed into the clear waters for good luck and the sporting duo took the plunge into some of the purest waters in England.
The pool, in a glorious setting between Masson woods and the limestone cliffs above the Derwent, has been relaunched following the £3m refurbishment of the hotel. Much of the swimming area has been restored to its original 1930s splendour, thanks to the efforts of staff and volunteers, and the support and involvement of the hotel's new owners.
