MORE than 3,500 residents stepped inside the grounds of a historic lido and were given a chance to explore parts not seen in more than a decade.

Tours around the grade II* listed Saltdean Lido were organised as part of a fundraising heritage day by the art deco attraction’s leaseholders Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company.

Visitors on Saturday were able to see the lido’s original plant room dating from the 1930s as well as the roof rotunda terraces and learn more about the history and future of the great building.

The tours were so popular that additional trips round the lido had to be arranged.

The lido also formed the elegant backdrop to beer and wine tasting events on Friday and Saturday evenings with local breweries and vineyards displaying their produce.

The new leaseholders are looking to give the site a £5 million refurbishment fundraising programme which would see the lido closed fully for 12-18 months while works take place to restore it to its former glory in time for summer 2016.

Rebecca Crook, director of Saltdean Lido CIC, said: “The weekend was a great success with thousands of people having the opportunity to enjoy the grounds.

“This is just another step in the journey to getting the lido restored and back into use so local residents can enjoy it all year round.”

For more information visit saltdeanlido.co.uk.