THOUSANDS of dogs and their owners enjoyed a final splash in the water before a lido shuts for winter.

Saltdean Lido opened its doors to dog owners for the past two weekends, and organisers say it has helped the fundraising efforts.

The lido Community Interest Company (CIC) secured a 60-year lease on the art deco building and pools with Brighton and Hove City Council, and continues to seek Heritage Lottery Funding for the full restoration of facilities.

CIC director Jules Shepherd said it has been the third year where volunteers have opened for dog owners at the end of the season.

She said: “We have had an incredible response, with more than 3,000 dogs visiting over the two weekends. We were sold out.

“I read about having a dog day, and thought we should try it. It was immediately successful.

“Now it is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.”

Volunteers said that one dog came from as far away as Hawaii to enjoy a paddle with his pals.

Among those attending was Emma Hayes, from Fiveways in Brighton, with her stepdaughter Holly Higgins and partner Neil Longuet-Higgins and their shih tzu Moo (pictured).

She said: “We loved it so much, we went to both weekends.

“We always wanted to be able to go along to something like this, but so many pools are either council owned or privately owned.

“It means we don’t get the chance, but the Saltdean organisers must have thought ‘why not?’

“There was so much happiness and so many happy dogs. All their tails were wagging, and every owner left with big smiles.”