FROLICKING bar staff are sampling the high life as they cool off -- in a paddling pool perched 30ft on a pub roof!

Staff at the Swan Hotel refuse to get in a flap when the weather is hot.

They just take a dip in their 5ft deep, 760 gallon, paddling pool on the roof!

Newcomer to the Bolton town centre pub, Clair Wexler, had the brainstorm during the latest spell of hot weather.

The 21-year-old chipped in with joint manager Ian Hodgkinson to buy the £80 giant splash tub.

The pool is perched, nestling between roofs and fire escapes behind properties, on Bradshawgate.

It was spotted by a sharp-eyed BEN photographer, who saw the pool from our third storey office window nearby.

Clair, who joined the pub two months ago, takes the plunge on hot summer days -- although, admittedly, she agrees there haven't been that many in the last few weeks.

Some of the bar staff have snubbed the new pool, much to Clair's surprise.

Clair explained: "It's the only space that we had where it's completely flat. It's about 30ft above the ground surrounded by a high wall. It's perfectly safe .

"It took us two hours to inflate it and four hours to fill it.

"It's very relaxing -- although it can get a bit boring sat there on your own.

"I put the music on and sit and have a drink in it after work."

The pub's other managers, Doug and Diane Wilson, have also been known to jump in at the deep end -- with their two young children. Clair added: "We plan to have a barbecue during the sunny weather. It's a great place to cool off and have fun!"

The staff empty the pool by pulling the plug -- with the gallons of water escaping to the streets below.

But Clair, who lives above the Churchgate pub, admitted: "It can get a bit cold. We cover it up at night and even put a steriliser in it to stop the water going funny.

"Some of the staff who live here wouldn't dream of using it. They think we're mad.

"But you hear of loads of people having paddling pools as jacuzzis these days.

"I tell all my friends at the brewery that we have our own pool here and they are really jealous! Everybody wants to work here now."