Swimmers braved the autumn chill and took an early morning plunge when an open air pool reopened.

The lido at Park Road Leisure Centre, in Park Road, Hornsey, reopened on Friday after a refurbishment.

New facilities include changing rooms, showers and a children’s play fountain.

Darius Cerniauskas, 30, a duty manager at the centre, tried out the pool yesterday.

He said: “It was quite cold, I have to say. It was a small challenge to jump in but I did.

"We’ve been quite surprised with how excited our members have been. I didn’t expect to see so many people in our lido, about 30 people went in yesterday within the first half hour.”

The lido is open from 8am to 10am every morning. Additional sessions will run during half term.

The rest of the leisure centre is also getting refurbished, which should be finished in January. There will be four studios, a sauna and a steam room.

Kenny Jones, 55, from Crouch End, was one of the first to enjoy a morning swim on Saturday.

He said: “It was very nice, although I slightly miss the chaotic bottom swirl of algae, but it was good. I thought I would play it safe wearing a body suit, given the time of year. I am very happy to be back.”