Annual lido swim for dogs ends summer 'on a high'

Hundreds of dogs took part in the annual swim

Hundreds of dogs have had some "good fun" taking part in an annual swim at their local lido to finish summer "on a high".

Dogs and their owners took part in the event at Shepton Mallet Lido in Somerset on Saturday and Sunday.

Assistant manager Katie Chambers said with the pool being drained over winter, it "makes sense" to give dog owners an opportunity to swim with their pets, adding "it's all safe".

The event has grown in popularity over the years, organisers said.

The event has grown in popularity over the years

Sally said she has visited the annual swim with her four-year-old French bulldog Stan, for the last two years.

"We absolutely love it," she said.

Sally said she looks forward to the event every year

"It's absolutely fantastic and we look forward to it every year.

"He's a fantastic little dog, I wouldn't be without him."

Organisers said the lido is kept clean between sessions

Ms Chambers said it was lovely to "have lots of people through the doors again" after a quiet period due to bad weather.

"We thought it would be the best way to finish the season on a high," she said.

The event took place on Saturday and Sunday

"Everyone loves swimming with their own dog.

"It's something you don't really get to do unless you're wild swimming."

She explained the pool is regularly monitored for cleanliness during the dog swims.

Katie Chambers said the event means the pool can close on a "high"

"We backwash the pool and net out the hair in between each session. It's all safe and it's good fun.

"The first year we did it we had one sell-out session, so now we're doing whole weekends - it's definitely grown a lot over the years," she added.