IT is all hands to the pumps to get Gourock outdoor pool ready for a free-for-all splashdown this Bank Holiday Monday.

Water valves were opened on Wednesday to start the five-day process of bringing in sea water.

Now it is fingers crossed for favourable tides to allow the pool to fill up in time.

Pool bosses have decided on a beginning of May opening for the third year running in response to calls from local people for an extended season.

But they are hedging their bets with restricted opening until the start of the school summer holidays after disappointing May weather for the past two years.

The toddlers" paddling pool will also remain closed until the school holidays.

'We have taken everything in to consideration to get the pool open early again,' Inverclyde Leisure Trust leisure and recreation manager Brian Lawrie said.

'In today"s financial climate we have to be as cost-effective as we can and the weather for the last two Mays has been extremely inclement.

'We have looked back at statistics to find a compromise, with opening hours to suit the previous peak demand.' Gourock councillor Jim Hunter, vice-chairman of pool operator Inverclyde Leisure Trust, said he was delighted the pool had opened early yet again to meet public demand, albeit in a restricted form.

'I congratulate all staff on getting the pool ready in a short space of time,' he said.

Pool manager George Munro added special events - including a repeat of last year"s highly successful midnight swims - would take place through the season.

Initial opening hours will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. There will be no charge for swimming on the opening day.