A LOCAL swimming pool has been given a generous grant towards a new boiler.

Stamford Bridge Community Swimming Pool had an ageing oil tank which desperately needed replacing, but volunteers at the pool are now celebrating after being awarded a £2,000 grant from Engage Mutual to replace the tank.

Chairwoman of the pool committee Hilary Saynor said the pool had remained an important community asset, teaching children to swim in a safe environment, since it was opened about 30 years ago following a tragic accident where a child drowned in the river which runs through the village.

She said: “The pool is at the very heart of our community and offers so much more to people than just a place to exercise.

"When we were faced with the prospect of a huge bill to replace the oil tank we knew we had a big task on our hands. So many people got behind us for which we are truly grateful and we feel blessed to be one of the winners."

Ben Whittaker, a customer of Engage Mutual and whose wife is a committee member for the pool, applied for the funding from the Engage Foundation which provides grants for community projects.

He said: "When I applied for the community award the thought never even occurred to me that we could win. We really can't thank Engage enough."