THE Herald was among a privileged few to get a sneak preview inside Skipton's new £3.5 million Craven Swimming Pool just as building work is being completed.

The pool itself is already full and boasts a disabled access into the learner section which claims to be the first of its kind in Europe.

A retractable floor in the learner pool raises and lowers to a depth of 2.5metres and it has a pioneering access system with platforms and lifts for the disabled.

The building work has taken about three months to complete with just some cosmetic finishing touches and clearing up to be done.

In celebration of the Herald's 150th anniversary and the many years' hard work which has gone into getting the pool, we are paying for everyone to enjoy their first swim on August 11 - the opening day.

The programme for the day is being drawn up by craven District Council and the draft plan is 6.15am to 8.45am early morning adult swim, 9am to noon general swim, 12.15pm to 2pm lunchtime lane swim, 2pm to 7.30pm general swim and 7.30pm to 9pm Skipton Swimming Club.

There will be a more detailed timetable published for the learner pool.

The Herald's free admission scheme will be used subject to the pool's capacity being maintained.

The official opening is likely to take place at the end of September.

Coun Marcia Turner who has seen the pool through from design stage to completion, said: "It is quite satisfying to have been able to see it through. I am very impressed with it all - we are lucky to have this pilot pool."

The Herald and Craven district councillors were given a guided tour of the leisure complex on Tuesday by Allenbuild quantity surveyor Richard Grundy.

Through the main doors to the left is the reception and caf area and to the right is a large window overlooking the pool and a door through to the poolside spectator area.

Past the reception to the left is the large spacious fitness suite. This is to be fitted out by Life Fitness with 34 work stations at a cost of just over £100,000.

Opposite the fitness suite entrance are the dry changing areas and access to the communal changing village and main 25 metres swimming pool.

The changing village has many individual changing cubicles and hundreds of smart lockers. The showers and toilets are nearer to the poolside.

The dcor has a fresh and clean feeling, finished in predominantly blue and white with a few timber panels to be added around the pool.

The main pool slopes from one metre deep at the shallow end to two metres at the deep end. The water comes right up to the top of the poolside and flows over into the drains. This is to allow easy access as there is no drop into the water and prevents slipping on the poolside.

Outside there is a large car park and landscaped area in place of the former Aireville Pool. Taking pride of place at the entrance is the foundation stone from the old pool and the plaque marking its opening.

Coun Mike Doyle said: "My daughter learnt to swim in the old pool and now she earns a living in a dive centre on the coast of Africa. I hope lots more Craven children will be able to get as much benefit out of this pool."