FREE swims are being offered at Tadcaster Swimming Pool when it is officially reopened later this month - to thank the local community for raising more than £100,000 for vital repairs.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 31, almost a year after the baths had to suddenly shut down when lifeguards spotted tiles coming loose from the base of the tank.

After the pool was emptied, hundreds were found to be loose, and tests later revealed that the most likely reason for the failure was a build-up of pressure beneath the tiles, breaking the adhesive bonds.

A massive fundraising campaign was launched by the charitable trust that runs the pool, with a target of £100,000.

A series of fundraising events was organised, ranging from concerts and barbecues to cooking demonstration evenings and car boot sales, and even a football match between stars from TV soap Emmerdale and local players.

Manager Glen Johnson said today: "It is nearly a year since I stood looking at tiles breaking off from the bottom of the main pool, but now it is time to celebrate.

"The trustees, staff and volunteers made a huge effort to reopen the pool quickly and have been rewarded with more than 30,000 visitors in just a few weeks."

He said the free community day would include free drinks, music and the chance to win a mountain bike.

"The day will finish with a visit from the town's mayor, Coun Middlemiss, who will be treated to demonstrations of canoeing, snorkelling, lifesaving and swimming by many of the local children.

"Members of the public are encouraged to come and swim with friends, family or relatives from noon until 4pm.

"The day is intended as a thank you' to the whole community for their support in raising the £133,000 required to fix the pool."

Meanwhile, the pool has hosted a gala for children from schools in Tadcaster and villages in the surrounding area.

Riverside, Tadcaster East, St Joseph's, Appleton Roebuck, Long Marston and Tockwith Primary Schools competed for the annual schools shield.

The pool staged the event earlier this month in conjunction with the Barlby School Sports Partnership to promote competitive swimming among local schools.

The gala featured 15 races with events for both boys and girls, including mixed relay races.

Pool deputy manager Kathryn Gallagher said: "The children all had great fun and the swimming was of a very high standard."

Retaining their title for another year were Appleton Roebuck Primary School, with St Joseph's Roman Catholic School and Riverside Primary coming in joint second place.