The baths will be passed to Rural Splash on July 1 to secure its long term future.

Rural Splash was formed by a group of residents which feared the baths could close after Fylde Council shut down St Annes pool on financial grounds.

Group member Elaine Silverwood said: "We're absolutely delighted that all the hard work that's been done by the Rural Splash group to galvanise the community and all the hard work which was put into the business plan has paid off."

"Whilst it's been in the hands of the council people have been concerned that they are going to lose it.

"We've had a few butterflies until it was signed on the dotted line."

The Council are now trying to re-open St Annes pool using a similar deal - handing the pool over to the YMCA and paying them a subsidy to help run the facility.

Despite the celebratory mood, it came with warning that there was still a lot of hard work to be done to raise the funds needed to secure the long term future of the baths.

Elaine added: "This is when all the fundraising kicks in and this is where Kirkham and the rural communities really really shine.
"Now that it's 'ours' so to speak - let's make sure it goes from strength to strength by supporting it as much as we can.

"We've spoken to people who don't use the baths at the moment and asked them why. So we know what's needed for improvement."

A number of organisations have already begun generating cash for the facility, which will need charitable donations and entrance fees to stay open.

Various fundraising methods are now being drawn up, including family memberships and gift aid forms.

All money donated will be allocated to a charity account for the baths.