Leisure chiefs are promising that a swimming pool - closed for months while major renovations were carried out - will re-open on September 11.

Swimmers using the popular Ferry pool in Summertown, Oxford, have had to travel to other pools since it shut for repairs in April. Work to replace an ageing air handling unit and put in new ceiling tiles is costing 266,000, but the city council said it will provide better conditions for swimmers.

Ferry Sports Centre manager Margaret Stevens said: "We are still getting many phone inquiries about the pool and apologise for the inconvenience. However, we would like to reassure our customers the renovations are ahead of target and our improved pool will soon be open for business."

To make up for the pool being closed all summer, staff are providing extra entertainment for youngsters aged between five and 11, during the school summer holidays. Day trips to museums and theme parks are being run regularly every Thursday at 9.30am.

For more details, call 01865 467060.