For almost 90 years the diving platform at Coate Water has stood tall against the skyline.

And it's been out of action for approaching 50 of them, apart from a few occasions when people have sneaked out to jump off the top.

The stages where youngsters once lounged, took in the scenery and eventually plucked up the courage to dive into the lake, have become favourite perching spots for birds.

Now it's been earmarked for a thorough wash and brush up as part of a £500k investment by the borough council to improve the park.

Built in 1934, it replaced an older diving platform. When it was opened a year later town mayor Reuben George was the first to take the plunge. It is thought to be one of only two of its kind left in the country, but shut in the 1970s due to health and safety fears.