Youngsters took their first dip in a school’s outdoor swimming pool, thanks to a £40,000 community fundraising project.
People living around St Martin and St Mary’s Primary School in Windermere rallied round and helped raise the cash over the last two years to upgrade the pool and changing facilities.
It opened in 1969, paid for using community funds, and thousands of people have learned to swim there.
Headteacher Matthew Towe said: “The swimming pool has been an integral part of school life and literally thousands of local children have learned this essential skill in our pool.
“The pool is used for private lessons and for school swimming sessions by a number of other local schools.
“Children at St Martin and St Mary’s start their swimming journey as young as five when they are in our reception class and swim every year until they leave for secondary school.
“The improvements have been transformational and have ensured our pool is fit for the future for pupils and visitors alike.
“Altogether the place is looking very smart indeed and to top it all we have had a shiny, new pool liner installed that will protect our pool for many years to come.
“We are absolutely delighted with the results and so are the children.
“We are extremely grateful to the charities and organisations that provided grant funding and all the local businesses and individuals who have donated time, money and skills to the project; the school and local community will benefit from these improved facilities.”
