Sign lit up above lido for first time since WWII

The original sign - which was lost in the 1940s - has now been replaced with a replica using LED lights

A neon sign has been lit up over a lido in East Sussex for the first time since the outbreak of World War Two.

Saltdean Lido welcomed visitors at the weekend to watch the switch on at the Grade II* listed building, which is being restored.

The original sign was taken down in about 1942 and subsequently lost.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Derek Leaver, chair of Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (SLCIC), said the original sign was replicated in the same style, size and font.

"It's a green or teal sign that matches all the other paintwork on the lido with a bright blue neon LED light that comes on when we switch it on," he said.

He added there were "rumours" the original sign was buried somewhere in Saltdean.

At the switch on, lights added to the upper roof, chimney, balconies and the inside rotunda were also illuminated.

Lights were also added to the upper roof, chimney, balconies and the inside rotunda

The lido was built between 1937 and 1938, but the art deco structure became derelict after being used as a water tank by the National Fire Service during World War Two.

Restored by Brighton Council and reopened in 1964, its survival was threatened again in 2010, when the then-leaseholder wanted to redevelop the site.

It was saved by a community campaign, leading to the founding of the SLCIC.

The lido's main pool was reopened in 2017, after the structure was saved from demolition.

The latest renovation work will add a cafe, library, ballroom, exercise studio and shared workplace facilities.