Fiona Evans shows the letter she received from Dame Judi Dench

Oscar-winning Dame Judi Dench has given her backing to the campaign to save York's swimming pools.

The York-born actress, who learned to swim as a child at the city's Yearsley Pool, stressed the benefits of taking to the water and said the pools were a "valuable public resource".

Fiona Evans, co-ordinator of the Yearsley Pool Action Group, contacted Dame Judi after talking with the actress's brother, former York GP Peter Dench, who was Fiona's family doctor when she was a child.

Dr Dench spoke to his sister about the pools campaign, and Dame Judi said Fiona should contact her secretary in London.

So Fiona sent Dame Judi information about the battles to save the Yearsley and Barbican Pools - and about the Evening Press Save Our Swim Campaign.

And a delighted Fiona has now received a headed letter from the actress, who won an Oscar playing Elizabeth I in the hit movie Shakespeare in Love.

Dame Judi's reply to Fiona reads: "Thank you very much for your letter regarding the threatened closure of the Yearsley and Barbican Swimming Pools.

"Having grown up in York, I have fond memories of visiting the pools, and I still love to swim.

"I couldn't agree with you more about the benefits of swimming, and have no hesitation in supporting your campaign to keep the Yearsley Pool open.

"This is a valuable public resource and we should all fight its closure.

"I wish you success with the campaign. With best wishes, Judi Dench."

Fiona said: "Obviously I'm delighted.

"Judi Dench is justifiably held in high esteem by the people of York, for her achievements and consummate ability. Her comments obviously carry more weight than the average person, especially as she comes from the city."

Dr Dench said that he, his brother, Jeffrey, and Dame Judi learned to swim at the Yearsley Pool when they were young children and living in Heworth Green.

"We were all taught to swim fairly early. My father was a great swimmer," he added.

A council spokeswoman said today they had no problems with Dame Judi's comments about the pools, saying she was a private individual with a right to express her views.

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