A BUILDING society is supporting an inspirational North-East swimmer who is training for a place at the Paralympics in Paris next year.

Lyndon Longhorne was chosen as guest of honour for the opening of Darlington Building Society’s smart new branch in Bishop Auckland town centre.

And the Society has made a financial contribution to Lyndon’s training costs as he aims for a place in the Great Britain team, having already competed at the last Paralympics in Tokyo.

Lyndon, from Crook, contracted meningitis as a baby, losing his left leg below the knee, right leg above the knee, right hand, and left-hand fingertips.

However, he has dedicated himself to swimming, training twice a day for six days a week, and has regularly used the pool at Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, in Bishop Auckland.

His dedication led to him being selected to represent Team GB in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, and smashing the British record in finishing seventh in the men’s S4 100m freestyle – his first Paralympic final.

After cutting the ribbon to open the new branch, Lyndon said: “It’s great to see Darlington Building Society investing in the centre of Bishop Auckland and getting behind so many people in the area. From a personal point of view, I really appreciate the support and, hopefully, I can repay it by bringing home a medal.”

The Society’s Chief Executive, Andrew Craddock, said: “Lyndon’s story is truly inspirational, and his resilience and dedication are a lesson to us all. We are delighted to have been able to contribute towards his training costs and wish him every success.”

Since 2000, the Society’s Bishop Auckland branch had been located at Waverley House, at 116 Newgate Street. However, it has now moved to larger, more modern premises, at 30 Newgate Street, close to Newgate Shopping Centre.

Mr Craddock added: “This is a very special occasion for Bishop Auckland and Darlington Building Society because it is about our commitment to local high streets and local communities, by providing safe places for members to come and discuss their finances with helpful, knowledgeable colleagues. We invite our neighbours, and the local community to join us for further celebrations on Saturday”

Louise Thorpe, the Society’s Distribution Director, said: “As well as being fantastic for members, the more prominent location enables our colleagues to be integrated into the community, and gives them a lovely working environment.”

Branch manager Clare Sutton said: “We’re thrilled to have so much more space in which to see our members and discuss their needs. They are our priority and it’s about making them welcome and comfortable. This relocation enables us to do that.”

A free community open day – complete with stilt-walkers, bubble blowing, ice cream, and face-painting – will take place on Saturday, July 1, from 10am to 1pm to celebrate the opening of the new branch.