THE group determined to save the heritage of Droitwich Spa lido has published a book to highlight the historical importance of the site.

The Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido and Its Park will be selling copies of 'Droitwich Sea Bathing Lido 1935-2005' after months of research to dig up unknown facts about the popular town attraction.

The information guide starts with a foreword and introduction about the unique nature of lidos, their design, and their place within British society.

The book also explores the origin of the lido from the first half of the 1930s that saw the Spa become one of the 20th century's leading health attractions.

According to the book, the lido was the brainchild of three men - Donald Wilcock, local hotelier T. Harold Platt, and Edward Alexander Partington.

The three men formed Droitwich Spa Bathing Lido Limited to build the town a new open air swimming pool. What was to be unique about Droitwich lido was that it was to be an inland seaside.

From there the book tells of the decline of the lido and suggests the outbreak of the Second World War and the creation of the NHS as possible factors.

Droitwich was used as a garrison town during the war, which saw many of the town's assets requisitioned for the war effort. The book also looks at what the future holds for the site.

Author Ian Wild said: "The book has been researched and is the result of many hours spent in the records office and talking to local people. It is part of the friends campaign to save the lido."

'Droitwich Sea Bathing Lido 1935-2005' is available for £5 by sending a cheque made out to The Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido to 4 Spa Road, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8RG. All proceeds raised will go towards the group. Other stockists for the book will be found in the near future.