PARENTS and children had to be evacuated from a Worcester swimming pool when a piece of human faeces was found floating in the water.

Unsuspecting swimmers at the Sansome Walk baths were forced to leave the fun pool for an hour while the excrement was removed by a lifeguard.

Twelve-year-olds Scott Finnegan, his cousin Duncan Edwards and their friend Shane Wade were swimming together in the pool at the time.

"A kid came and told us what had happened," said Duncan, of Abbey Road, St John's. "We saw it. It's not very nice when you go swimming."

"I thought my son was going for a nice afternoon out and in fact it only lasted for an hour, because they came back home," said Scott's mother Linda Finnegan, of Broadway Grove, off Bromyard Road.

"It's not very pleasant."

But centre manager Sandra Boswell maintained the correct procedure had been followed in removing the faeces.

"The procedures that the lifeguard and the duty manager followed are in line with the guidelines laid down in health and safety in swimming pools," she said.

"At no stage were any members of the public at risk by any of the actions taken."

The incident, at 2pm on Sunday, fell into the "accidental soiling" category, which requires the area to be cleared and roped off and the excrement removed.

"I would like to remind all bathers who have young children that swim nappies are available from our reception and from other outlets," said Mrs Boswell.

"It's advisable all young children wear a nappy under their swimwear to avoid any unnecessary incidents."

The boys, who are all from Worcester and attend Christopher Whitehead High School, have decided that they will go back to the swimming pool.

"I suppose we'll have to go back. There's nowhere else," said Duncan.