PORTISHEAD Open Air Pool is set to get solar panels and a thermal heating system after being awarded with £140,000.

It is hoped that the grant, which came from the Swimming Pool Support Fund run by Sport England, will reduce the pool's energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Work on the pool, which will be overseen by Portishead Open Air Pool Trust, is expected to take place over the next year.

The pool’s new business manager, Matthew Sidwell, said: “I am delighted to have joined Portishead Open Air Pool at this time when the future of the pool has been bolstered by funds to make its future running more sustainable.

"Not only will the new solar energy system reduce reliance on expensive energy, but this will make the pool a more sustainable enterprise.

"I look forward to seeing the plans turn into reality over the coming year.”