AN Olympic gold medal winning diver says he would be honoured to have a local swimming pool named after him.

Ripon’s new leisure centre should be named after Littlethorpe's Jack Laugher MBE, say residents who have launched a campaign.

Laugher said, were it to happen, he would “without a doubt” perform the opening when interviewed on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on BBC Radio2 this morning.

Sports reporter Vassos Alexander spoke with Laugher, 22, this morning.

He said: "Have you heard about this campaign in Ripon to name a new swimming pool after you Jack?"

Laugher replied: "I have not heard that, no."

Alexander filled him in on the campaign, before adding: "I'm on board with that. I think they should."

Evans chirped in: "They need to tell Jack about it, that might help their cause."

Laugher said: "That sounds amazing."

Asked if he would open it, he said: "Without a doubt, yes.

"After I came back from Rio they named a bus that does the route from Ripon to Leeds, which is where I train, after me. I have got a Harrogate 36 bus named after me, which is pretty cool. I would definitely go and open the pool, without a doubt."

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Laugher won Great Britain's first Olympic diving gold medal in the men's synchronised 3m springboard with team-mate Chris Mears.

Six days later, he won a silver in the men's individual 3m springboard, becoming the first British diver to win multiple diving medals at the same Olympic games, and the first to win any medal in the individual 3m springboard.

Ripon mayor Pauline McHardy said: “There is a strong possibility this plan will go ahead and it is a great idea to inspire young people.

“To see a local boy achieve such heights will show others that if they work hard they could do something like this.

“He has had much support from his teachers and the community so it would be very fitting.”

The new swimming pool next to Ripon Leisure Centre will replace the Spa Baths, which have been open for 113 years.

The first steps towards building the pool were made earlier this month when testing of the grounds began.

The plans include a five lane 25 metre pool, which is due to be complete by December next year, a poolside viewing area, sauna and additional changing rooms.

The gym will be extended, three new studios and a children’s play area will be built, and the outdoor football pitch will be re-laid.

Councillor Stuart Martin MBE, who represents Ripon City Spa Ward, would welcome the move.

He said: “It would be an absolutely appropriate decision as he lives nearby and his achievements are second to none.”