A COMMEMORATIVE bench which now graces the entrance to Richmond swimming pool has been installed in tribute to a long-standing, dedicated swimmer who died recently.

Mr Edwin Storey had travelled from his South Shields home to Richmond for a weekly swim almost every Sunday since the pool opened in 1976.

He would spend most of the day at the pool, having his lunch there, and was on friendly terms with all the staff and many customers.

His love for Richmond sprang from a honeymoon taken in the town years ago.

It was while using the pool that he was taken ill and rushed to hospital, sadly dying later of a stroke-related condition.

Staff who came to know Mr Storey well felt they wanted to create a permanent memorial to him and together raised enough money for the new bench.

"The result is a reminder not only of a regular swimmer but also of someone who was much liked and well respected," said a spokesman for Richmondshire District Council, which runs the pool