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Officials at a Rhondda paddling pool were shocked when they turned up for their end of summer party to find it had been mysteriously drained overnight.

After the initial shock, the team at Penygraig Park knew they needed a huge amount of water to refill the popular attraction, which was just hours from hosting the Bank Holiday Monday pool party - the season’s last day of opening.

But thanks to a team of heroic local firefighters, the day was saved after they brought an engine and water bowser along to quickly fill the empty pool.

Wendy Allsop, a spokeswoman for Friends of Penygraig Park, said: “It was all hands on deck to figure out how we could fill it in such a short amount of time.

“Local resident Vince Lane suggested that we contact Tonypandy Fire station and he immediately spurred into action.

“Vince and Penygraig councillor John Cullwick proceeded to ask our local fire service if they could help.”

She said the South Wales Fire and Rescue station’s White Watch were just about to come off duty after their night shift, but instead brought their engine to the park, and began to pump water into the drained pool.

She added: “They made several trips back and forth to the station until our pool was full.”

It comes after the paddling pool reopened on August 14 after having fallen into disrepair back in 2013 , much to the dismay of the community.

But it had a successful first season, with proceedings running smoothly until the discovery on the morning of August 25.

They discovered that a council worker had mistakenly drained the pool the night before, but thanks to the selfless actions, hundreds of children enjoyed the final day.

With the sun shining all day long, music was provided by GTFM and more than 300 free burgers were handed out.

There was a “near stampede” from the children to get in the pool when it had been filled.

Ms Allsop added: “The pool party, whilst being delayed, went ahead with hundreds having a fabulous time.

“The biggest heroes of the day were Tonypandy’s White Watch.

“On behalf of Friends of Penygraig Park and the community, we would like to say a big ‘thank you’ for saving the day.”

Leanne Wood , Rhondda AM, put out a “massive thanks” to the Tonypandy fire fighters.

She added: “The whole community is indebted to the selfless actions of Tonypandy fire station for ensuring that would-be disappointment was replaced by celebration and laughter.

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“They managed to bring a smile to the faces of so many children and everyone I met was singing their praises afterwards.

“This act is typical of the fantastic community spirit shown by all the volunteers that make up the Friends of Penygraig Parc – including new councillors Josh Davies and John Cullwick.

“The volunteers have made a pipe dream become a reality and the community has supported it magnificently.”

She said if the people of Penygraig could come together to support the paddling pool, there was no reason why it could not happen in other communities that have lost their paddling pool, adding: “The community spirit shown in Penygraig is there throughout the Rhondda and beyond.”