DEDICATED volunteers at the popular outdoor pool in Cirencester have received a prestigious award from the King on his birthday.

The enthusiastic team at Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool has been honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

The pool - which is situated in Riverside Walk Thomas Street between Cecily Hill and The Mead in Cirencester - first opened in 1870, was granted charitable status in 1983 and volunteers have been running it over since.

It is one of 262 charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious accolade this year. 

The award was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue it.

All the charitable recipients are announced annually on King Charles III's birthday, November 14. 

Representatives for the pool will receive the award and certificate from Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Edward Gillespie soon.

In addition, two volunteers from the team will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year along with other recipients of this year’s award. 

Jennie Hale, trustee at Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool has been recognised in this way. 

"This award is for every single one of our volunteers, past and present, who has ever given up their time to ensure this wonderful pool remains at the heart of our community.

"After all, it wouldn’t still be here if it wasn’t for the volunteers who saved it from closure in the 1970s and those who continue to give up their time today.”