HOLME VALLEY: Ruby will make a splash at party.

YOUNG Ruby Agnew will be celebrating her fourth birthday in style after winning a free pool party!

The three-year-old from Netherton correctly worked out that Holmfirth Pool first opened in 1975 in a competition to mark the Huddersfield Road facility's pounds lm refurbishment, held in association with Kirklees Council and Kirklees Active Leisure.

Ruby and her mum Christina recently visited Holmfirth to pick up her prize.

"I am extremely delighted that Ruby was selected as the winner of the competition," said Christina. "As a family we regularly visited the centre every Sunday morning before the pool closed for the refurbishment. We fully intend to start attending every Sunday now that the centre has re-opened.

"We received the call confirming that Ruby had won the prize the day after we had just been discussing what we were going to do for Ruby's 4th birthday in September. I'd always wanted a pool party when I was a kid, so I am pleased that we can do this for Ruby. She loves swimming and as already visited the pool on a number of occasions since it re-opened."

Allison Morris, operations manager at Holmfirth Pool commented "The pool parties are a fabulous way to celebrate a birthday".

Holmfirth Pool was identified as the highest priority for refurbishment works in an independent condition survey of sports centres in 2006 and improvement work began in October 2007. The pool has since benefited from a number of improvements, including a new ceiling in the pool hall, a new store room and extensive improvements to the changing rooms.

Pool party packages start from pounds 72 and include exclusive use of the pool for one hour, sea scooters, inflatables and floats. Two qualified lifeguards are available. There is a maximum of 25 children allowed at each party.

For more information contact Holmfirth Pool on 222440 or email [e-mail].

CAPTION(S):

IN THE SWIM: Three-year-old Ruby Agnew and her mum, Christina (right) receive the prize of a pool party from Operations Manager of Holmfirth Pool, Alison Morris (left) and Anthony Devlin, Marketing Assistant for Kirklees Leisure. Photo: Andy catchpool (AC090508Dmby-1)