Thousands attend celebration of restored lake

The lake had been suffering from low water levels for years

Thousands have attended an event celebrating the return of a leaky boating lake to its former glory.

Repairs of the lake at Newcomen Terrace in Coatham, Redcar, were officially completed in September after several unsuccessful attempts.

A celebration on Saturday marked the occasion with vintage fairground rides, live music, crafts and model boat displays.

Redcar and Cleveland Council said thousands went along to mark the re-opening.

Dave Hart, from Redcar Model Boat Club, which uses the lake, said it had been a fantastic day, with boat clubs from Hartlepool and Sunderland also joining in.

"It was brilliant," the 82-year-old said.

"The lake has not dropped in its level like it used to."

The structure had been suffering from leaks for more than three years.

It had been undergoing repairs since last September, when it was emptied and cleaned.

Redcar Model Boat Club has increased its membership since the restoration of the lake in September

There were hopes it would be restored in time for the spring, but a test refill in April failed, resulting in a fresh round of works.

Labour-run Redcar and Cleveland Council said investigations had found "significant cracking" throughout the entire concrete basin slab, which needed repairs to be carried out by hand.

Council leader Alec Brown said they were "proud to have brought the Boating Lake back to life for future generations to enjoy".

Mr Hart said that since the restoration the club's membership had increased.

"I'd go every day if it was on," he added.

The structure is nearly 100 years old and first opened in 1937.