Rolls Royce submerged in lido was for centenary

Tinside Lido, below Plymouth Hoe, was closed last week for an "exciting global moment"

The reason for the closure of a Devon seafront lido has been revealed as a photoshoot to celebrate the centenary of an iconic car.

Tinside Lido, below Plymouth Hoe, was closed last week to celebrate 100 years of Rolls Royce's luxury Phantom - a marque which has been used on its cars since 1925.

Plymouth City Council, which agreed to close the pool temporarily, said the event was "a powerful statement of what the city can offer".

Council leader Tudor Evans said: "This is pure Plymouth magic... these images will be seen across the globe."

'British character'

The council said regular swimmers were invited to take part in the shoot as "part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience", swimming with the luxury car - which can cost between £425,000 and £500,000.

Evans said the lido's "art deco beauty" made it the "perfect backdrop".

He said: "Like the Phantom, the lido is a symbol of timeless style and British character.

"It's a celebration of our culture, our history, our maritime soul - and it's got all the flair and fun that makes Plymouth so special."

Plymouth City Council's leader said the images would be be "seen across the globe"