Medway's oldest open air swimming pool must be kept open for a new generation of swimmers, say campaigners.

Friends of Strand Pool (FOSP) was set up last month ago in the wake of council plans to reduce the pool's opening hours, and already has one victory under its belt - to open the pool for its 120th birthday.

Members were out in force on Monday to celebrate the anniversary and took the opportunity to sign up yet more campaigners to the cause.

Among those enjoying the day was Evelyn Terry, 79, whose father Harry Densen once ran the pool and who urged the council to remember why the lido was built.

"I've been swimming at the pool for 75 years," she said. "I'm pleased they're campaigning.

"The pool was built after a little girl drowned. Mr Cuckow found out about this and said it's dangerous - he sold his property and donated the money to keep this pool for the people of Medway.

"They've got a duty to keep it open."

Almost 5,000 people have now signed a petition calling on the council to reverse its decision to reduce opening hours. It is now only open at weekends until July 24, and will then open daily from 11am to 5pm until September.

But the council agreed to make an exception to the new hours to allow Monday's party.

Victoria Hill, chairperson of FOSP was celebrating with step daughter Emily Jordan, 7.

"It's a brilliant asset; we want people to cherish it and use it," she said. "We're 25 signatures short of 5,000 on a petition calling on the council to reverse a decision to reduce opening hours.

"People are saying it's so sad the hours are restricted but we're very positive. We've achieved a lot in five weeks, one of which is getting it open today.

"We just want to work with the council on a long term basis so next year the season can be full.

"We've met with the council and they've been very positive about working with us."

"We're a group of users and residents that didn't know each other five weeks ago - to have 5000 signatures is pretty incredible."

And she said the campaign over opening hours was just the start of FOSP's work, adding: "It will be a good thing in the future to have a friends group so we can help protect it for another 120 years."

The pool was previously open from 8.30am to 7pm, seven days a week. Cllr Howard Doe, head of community services at the council, said the slashed hours were due to government funding cuts and dwindling customer numbers.

The council said it would not be holding an event for the pool’s 120th birthday but would look to do something for its 125th.