A GRAND raffle is to be held in order to raise 'essential' funds for a much-loved community swimming pool.

As the pool at Bridport Leisure Centre now approaches its 30th anniversary, 'essential maintenance' is required and so a fundraising campaign has been launched.

Centre manager Will Thrower said: “The pool is in constant use and is now in desperate need of re-grouting - this is a huge undertaking and a specialist task which will cost tens of thousands of pounds.

"We have decided to ask our valued members and residents of the town to join together to support its local community centre and help to keep the pool open.”

The centre will host a raffle with the prize draw being conducted next month.

The first prize in the raffle is a 12-month Full Access Membership to the leisure centre - worth £540. Other prizes include six and three month memberships plus a children’s activity/membership, family swim voucher, PT session, fitness class, adults and childs swim kits, squash racket, yoga mat and many more.

The pool was opened in August 1994 after 11 years of dedicated fundraising by Bridport Action Committee for an Indoor Pool (BACit).

It was opened by Olympian Sharron Davies after a cheque for £182,500 was handed over from, BACit chairman Yvonne Norman to West Dorset District Council.

A councillor recalled accompanying Mrs Norman in 1983 to see former district council chairman, the late Hedley Haward, to ask for financial backing for the pool. Mrs Norman was told: "Come back when you have £100,000."

Mr Thrower said: “Tickets have been selling well, but we have a long way to go.

"This is a great opportunity for our existing members, as their payments will be frozen for the duration of their prize.

"We also appreciate the support we are receiving from non-members and members of the public who simply would like to support our centre.”

Tickets are £1, or 6 for £5, and are available at Bridport Leisure Centre and Bridport TIC.

The raffle will be drawn by the Mayor of Bridport Ian Bark on Tuesday, October 11.

For more information visit Bridport Leisure Centre, at Brewery Fields, or call 01308 427464.