A PRESTIGIOUS Bradford sports club is hoping to make competitive swimming more accessible through a Comic Relief funding boost.

The long-standing Bradford Dolphin Swimming Club, which began life nearly 130 years ago in 1888, has received around £1,300 from the charity.

The club is using the funding it to subsidise starter sessions at Queensbury Pool.

The sessions will cost just £1 until the end of the year in a bid to reduce the cost of helping children and young people move into competitive swimming.

Club secretary Jennifer Connelly said it was with the aim of trying to get more children swimming regularly, rather than them stopping once they have learned.

She said it has a range of benefits, including helping children to stay active, giving them a focus and something to look forward to outside of school, as well as enjoying the social aspect of being involved with the club.

It encourages its swimmers to progress to the City of Bradford Council-run training scheme, of which the club was a founder member.

To get those interested in moving into competitive swimming started, the club is offering a free trial at Queensbury Pool on Tuesdays from 6.45pm until 7.45pm.

Those wanting to get involved should be able to swim a minimum of four lengths using three different strokes.

All new members will receive a club water bottle to use at training and competitions.

Email headcoach@bradford-dolphin.co.uk or secretary@bradford-dolphin.co.uk to book your trial.

For more information about the club, visit its website at bradford-dolphin.co.uk