ILKLEY Grammar School's swimming pool has reopened two years ahead of schedule thanks to the generosity of a local business.

The school’s swimming pool closed in September last year because it was in need of refurbishment, along with the gym changing rooms. Funds were just not available to carry out the repairs needed to the infrastructure and the plant room.

The school's sports council developed the ‘Plunge for Our Pool’ project and teachers and pupils raised more than £2,000 but even with this effort it would have been two years before the pool could reopen.

When Jenny Brown, owner of Puddle Ducks baby and children swim school, heard the pool was closing, she jumped at the chance to help.

Jenny and her company made a substantial donation towards the work to be completed. She was keen to get the pool reopened and the swimmers back in the water as it is a valuable resource for the school and local community.

Restoration work began in March, and just three months later it has reopened.

The baby, pre-school and Swim Academy school has been swimming at the pool since September 2017 and all are thrilled to be back swimming at Ilkley Grammar School once again.

Jenny said: “The pool is used not only by us and the school, but also by the local community, who come along to learn to swim, exercise and have fun.

"I did what anyone in my position would have done and stepped in to help at a time in need. I really hope the pool gives our community many more years of learning and fun in the water.

“Recently, the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) reported that one in three children are unable to swim when they leave primary school. This really highlighted to me how important it is for swimmers to have a pool to learn to swim in that is both safe and welcoming. So, letting Ilkley Grammar School’s pool close just wasn’t an option for me.

"If you would like to find out more about our swimming lessons for 0 to 4 year olds at Ilkley Grammar School, please do get in touch!”

Alison Kaye, Business & Finance Director at Ilkley Grammar School said: “As a school we always look for opportunities to work with our community; we are very grateful for the support which we receive from community organisations, both financially and in support of our students in other ways.

"Without the financial support of Puddle Ducks, our pool would have been out of action for around two years – by working together, we have managed to get it back up and running much sooner which is great, not only for community swimming, but for our students in PE lessons too.”

Puddle Duck’s baby and pre-school classes have relaunched at Ilkley Grammar School, Cowpasture Road, Ilkley LS29 8TR on Saturdays and Sundays for 0 to 4 year olds.

For more information on the classes available at Puddle Ducks West Yorkshire, please call 0113 8267253 or visit https://www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/west-yorkshire.