A 5,000-NAME petition for a new swimming pool at Guisborough was being handed over to Dr Ashok Kumar today.

The MP is backing a campaign to refurbish or rebuild the town's ageing pool.

The baths are used regularly by swimmers and swimming clubs and the petition has been organised by Mrs Sue Johnson, secretary of Guisborough amateur swimming club.

Through her efforts and with Dr Kumar's help, a steering group has been set up comprising Redcar and Cleveland council, Tees Valley Leisure, which runs the pool for the council, and swimming club members.

"The fact that so many people have signed the petition is an indication of the deep feelings in the town about the need to see a modern pool fit for the demands of the 21st century," said Dr Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland. "In a time when leisure provision will be ever more important, the need for a new pool is a key one.

"The support for this petition will, I am sure, help convince potential supporters from organisations such as Sport England and the lottery that the case for a better pool for Guisborough is a genuine and real one."

The MP said he would submit the petition to the House of Commons where it would then be passed to the Secretary of State."

Mrs Johnson said: "I am thrilled to have got so many names in such a short time.

"Many names were collected by junior members of the club who managed to get a lot of support from youngsters. The future belongs to our young people and it is vital they be the first to benefit."