THE Flamingo Pool in Axminster is appealing for public support towards a campaign enabling them to purchase and install an Aquagym at the main 25m pool.

The Aquagym, consisting of portable cardio vascular and strength training equipment, is designed to sit in a pool and is similar to those seen in a traditional gym.

Flamingo Pool will go head to head against another project on ITV television in the hope of winning The People’s Millions lottery grant of £50,000.

The grant will be awarded to the project with the most votes cast on the day, Tuesday, November 25.

The telephone number, only publicised at 9am on the day, will be published that morning on the Flamingo Pool website.

Voting commences at 9am and finishes at midnight – and the pool is rallying round to ask people for as much help and votes as possible.

Dana Haydon-Sycamore, PR and fundraiser for Flamingo Pool, said: “We’re very excited that we have been shortlisted for this project and appeal to our supportive community to help us by voting, so that we can continue to provide this facility and to install the Aquagym equipment, which will help change lives.”

The Aquagym capitalises on the natural properties of buoyancy and resistance to create a zero impact, complete cardio-vascular and aerobic workout.

This is particularly suitable for the elderly, disabled, non-swimmers, overweight, those in rehabilitation, with medical conditions or mobility challenges.

Flamingo Pool centre manager Steve Buxton said: “We would also like to purchase equipment to enable us to run mobility classes for the immobile and elderly, our only limitation is funding.”

The Aquagym also lends itself to regular gym users who would like a different type of challenge, but has the advantage that in water it is less likely to cause injury and muscle soreness. Flamingo Pool is a self-funded charity, which has had to step up fundraising in recent years after a decision to reverse the funding they received from the National Lottery.

Volunteers and friends of the pool host regular fundraising nights, such as skittles evenings and quiz nights.

The pool welcomes supporters, donations and sponsorship.

To make a donation or to volunteer with fundraising call Dana Haydon-Sycamore or Steve Buxton on 01297 35800 or email info@flamingopool.co.uk.

To donate online visit mydonate.bt.com/charities/theflamingopool.