THE open air swimming pool at Helmsley has been awarded more than £100,000 of funding towards securing its future.

Last year a working group was set up to raise funds to save the pool, which is a registered charity.

Chris Parkin, a member of the group, said: “The pool was on its last legs and required considerable sums of funding.

“Fortunately we have managed to secure more than £100,000 through the LEADER project.

“This will enable us to start work on the pool after we close in September.”

He said they would be initially starting work on the pool tank and re-plumbing around the edge. Resurfacing of the pool surrounding would also take place, along with a new fence.

“After that we will be looking at securing further funding to carry out work next year on the office and toilets,” he said.

He added that the season so far had been a good one.

“It has been an incredible year with the good weather and we have also had a number of special events, including aerobics, moonlight swims and aquathons,” he said.

For more information about the pool, go to helmsleyopenairpool.org