CHAGFORD Swimming Pool will be one of the proud recipients of a ‘Moor Otter’ this summer just in time for the beginning of the season on Saturday, May 27.

One hundred otter sculptures, individually decorated by artists, are part of a public arts initiative supporting Dartmoor National Park.

The otters will be on display in public areas in and around Dartmoor and the gateway towns from the beginning of June until mid September.

They will then be auctioned off to raise valuable funds for future conservational work.

The identity of the Chagford Swimming Pool otter is being kept a secret but all will be revealed on opening day, May 27, from 2pm.

Children will be able to become an ‘otter spotter’ by finding 20 otters in and around Dartmoor and will receive a badge for their efforts.

Chagford residents will be organising some local activities for children to participate in.

Chagford pool is the largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool in the South West. Situated on the bank of the River Teign, the pool was dug out in 1933 by local volunteers. Since then, it has become a community run pool for over 80 years with continued strong local involvement.

Sessions held at the pool include swimming lessons, over 50s, length swimming, moonlight swims and one-off special events.

The pool is open every afternoon for public sessions and there is also a toddler pool.

In recent years, the main pool has had a new liner, hot showers and air source heat pumps installed — keeping the pool at a lovely 23c.

Chagford Swimming Pool will open its gates for the 2017 season on Saturday, May 27 at 2pm.

To find out more, visit www.chagfordpool.co.uk