EVERY town needs an X-factor, something that makes it stand out from the hundreds of others up and down the UK.

For Droitwich, it's the art deco lido. Opened in 1935, it was soon a great success, attracting people from far and wide to bathe in its heated salt waters, either for fun or because of their famed healing qualities.

But when the popularity of such venues faded, the lido was neglected and it finally closed in 2000.

It has taken a lot of hard work since then to bring us to where we are now, with the restored lido open to the public again.

Recognition must go to the campaign group Save A Lido Today (Salt). Its members refused to give up and finally won the day.

We can all learn from them. Our local treasures must be protected and valued.

Not only do they give visitors a reason to come, but they make life better for local people too - so long as we don't take them for granted. So let's all make the most of the seaside of the West Midlands.