Dogs will be taking the plunge at Letchworth Lido next month as the popular outdoor pool hosts North Herts' first-ever Doggy Splash.

The special event will see four-legged swimmers allowed into the lido alongside their owners over the weekend of Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

The Doggy Splash will take place after regular swimming sessions have finished for the summer season, with the pool thoroughly cleaned and disinfected afterwards ahead of its end-of-season closure.

Three 90-minute sessions will be held on each day, starting at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.

The event is being organised by Everyone Active, which operates Letchworth Lido, following the success of similar dog swimming sessions at some of its other outdoor pools.

Tim Melvin, Everyone Active contract manager for North Herts, said: "For many people, dogs are very much part of the family, so we're pleased to be able to offer something that lets owners enjoy the lido with their dogs for the first time.

"We've seen Doggy Splash prove really popular at some of our other lidos, so we're excited to bring the event to Letchworth and give local dog owners the chance to try something a little different together.

"It's also a great way to round off the lido's summer season, with the Doggy Splash sessions taking place once our regular swimming programme has finished."

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Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment at North Herts Council, added: "We're always looking for fun ways to bring our communities together, and this is certainly a first for North Herts!

"I'm thrilled that Letchworth Lido will be welcoming dogs for a special Doggy Splash at the end of the season."

Tickets cost £18 and cover one dog and one owner aged 18 or over, while additional spectators can attend for £8 each.

Dogs taking part must be at least 10 months old and fully vaccinated. Owners are also asked to make sure their pets are comfortable around other dogs and people before booking.

Lifeguards will be on duty throughout the sessions, although owners remain responsible for supervising their dogs. Anyone whose dog uses the main pool will also have to enter the water with them.

The six sessions will take place at 10am, 12pm and 2pm on both Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

Places are limited and can be booked through Everyone Active's Letchworth Lido ticketing website or by calling the lido on 01462 684673.