The future of one of Ilkley’s treasures has been assured with a Government award of protected listed status.

The nostalgic 1930s-built Ilkley Lido, has gained Grade II Listed status after impressing examiners from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Owner of the lagoon-shaped Denton Road pool, Bradford Council, says examiners noted the way the leisure attraction had kept its 1930s heritage intact.

One of an ever-dwindling number of outdoor pools across the country, Ilkley Lido opens in May each year and stays open until temperatures drop in September.

The sought-after listed status is hoped to help safeguard the pool’s future.

Councillor Anne Hawk-esworth said: “It is very pleasing that Ilkley Lido has been recognised by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and its future has been safeguarded.

“The lido is a wonderful leisure attraction that has retained its natural charm for many years and we have maintained its style and quality by ensuring any work carried out is done so subtly and in-keeping with the history of the site to ensure the appearance is preserved.

“The lido remains as popular as ever, with thousands of people visiting when the weather is nice to enjoy outdoor swimming and to relax in the gardens and enjoy the panoramic views that take in another of Ilkley’s landmarks, the Cow and Calf Rocks.”

The DCMS commended the 1930s lido ‘built in an unusual timber-framed vernacular style in an upland location’, noting the unusual shape of the pool, and the design of the nearby café with its glazed concertina doors.

The examiners said the raised terrace was representative of the enthusiasm in the 1930s for outdoor leisure.