NORTHWICH'S newly refurbished paddling pool is set to open to the public next month.

The pool, a family favourite in the town for more than 40 years, will be officially opened by the town mayor, Cllr Andy Stott, on Friday, May 6, followed by a party for the public on Saturday, May 7.

Northwich Town Council has carried out a £100,000 refurbishment of the paddling pool, at the junction of Chesterway and Percy Street.

The extensive renovation included a new pump room to chlorinate the water, rotate it in the pool and test it, as well as a new surface around the pool itself to make it safer and more user friendly and new stainless steel benches around the pool.

It has also seen the installation of a giant toadstool water fountain for the centre of the pool.

On May 6 Cllr Stott will officially open the pool and turn on the water fountain.

He will be joined by members of Northwich Town Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Northwich business owners and schoolchildren.

On Saturday, May 7, the fun starts at noon with music and a barbecue.

The first 100 people at the pool will receive a free burger or hot dog and a drink.

Cllr Andrew Cooper said: "It has been a great project and this is probably one of the most hotly anticipated openings in Northwich in 2016."