Swimmers making the most of the hot weather

With temperatures set to remain in the mid-20s until the end of the week in Shropshire, people have been enjoying a swim at Highley's outdoor pool.

The heated 25m pool lies next to the Severn Centre and two of the first swimmers to arrive early on Wednesday morning were Cheryl Rowbottom and Nancy Porthouse.

They both live in Highley and Rowbottom said: "It's like being on holiday, but at home. It's just so relaxing and warm, and when you finish your swim you can go and have a sit over in the sun if you want."

Porthouse said it was not always as warm, but "today it's been absolutely gorgeous".

Both women, who are originally from Birmingham, have season passes for the pool, so come regularly.

Rowbottom works as a bookmaker with her husband at racecourses, so welcomed the chance to cool off.

She said: "Where I stand, we do have a big umbrella, but if the sun's in a certain position you're not in the shade and I've happened to be in the same position for two days, full sun all afternoon."

Both women agreed the pool was also a good place for a chat.

Rowbottom added: "Nancy has to stop and have a chat if there's a chat to be had, if there's something to find out she has to find out what it is."

Porthouse said: "Even if Cheryl's not here I will find someone else to talk to."

Carissima Pugh, who is known as Timmy, works on a farm near Bridgnorth and said the pool was "absolutely lovely, worth getting up for, getting organised in the morning and getting out".

She booked herself in to visit every day this week and normally aims to go at least three times a week.

Pugh is in her early 60s and said it was "just a lovely way of having a bit of exercise".

She started visiting the pool just before the coronavirus pandemic and said she found it was "just a treat to come here" in the aftermath.

For her, Highley pool is a peaceful place to visit.

She said: "You've got all the trees around it, it's slightly like going back in time, it's a nice temperature, really nice friendly staff, it's a great size. It's just a great facility."

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