A COMMUNITY swimming pool which is managed by a Weardale school is to get a £250,000 facelift.

When Wolsingham School and Community College took over the baths in their grounds in May, Durham County Council promised to secure its future by funding vital repairs.

The council’s architect is drawing up plans for a revamp of the whole building to help it blend in with the school sports hall next door.

The pool will be closed for 12 weeks from January 1 while work is carried out. Primary school swimming lessons will be switched to different venues.

Wolsingham head teacher Andrea Crawshaw said the date had been chosen to cause the least disruption to swimmers.

She said: "We have liaised closely with Durham County Council over plans for the refurbishment and the council will be funding this investment to a maximum of £250,000 from their maintenance budget." Councillor Eunice Huntington, Durham’s portfolio holder for healthier communities, said: "This modernisation programme will secure the future of this important and much loved community facility for years to come.

"Local people will have a much nicer place to enjoy the water and school children will enjoy learning in a far more inspiring setting."

"In addition, we are still in talks with various sporting organisations, in a bid to secure further funding for a new build swimming pool in the future."