PARENTS are celebrating after winning a stay of execution for a much-loved swimming pool in Berkeley.

Gloucestershire County Council announced this afternoon that it would set up an independent body to run the outdoor pool at Berkeley Primary School, which had been threatened with closure after governors agreed to review whether the facility was 'fit for purpose'.

A council spokeswoman said: "Gloucestershire County Council has agreed to establish a working party with the school and other interested parties to look to transferring the responsibility and management of the swimming pool to an independent body.

"This proposal will represent another positive step forward for the school in terms of strengthening its links with the community."

The decision came after a public protest to save the pool, which culminated in a demonstration outside the school on Tuesday evening.

See tomorrow's Gazette for full story, reaction and pictures from the demonstration.