Silsden'S swimming Pool has been saved after school governors took the plunge and gave permission for the town's parish council to take it on.

The learner pool, in the grounds of Hothfield Street School, closed earlier this year because the school could not afford to keep it running.

Voluntary contributions from parents and those at nearby Aire View Infants were not enough to pay for its upkeep, leaving governors no option but to shut it.

But a rescue bid launched by the parish council aims to re-open the pool, with a pledge to have children back swimming in it early in the new year.

A delegation from the parish council presented a comprehensive business plan to governors on Wednesday night.

And in a secret vote, the governing body opted to hand over the running of the facility.

Now the parish council is hoping a combination of new grants and public support will secure the future of the learner pool.

A delighted Coun Chris Atkinson said: "I joined this parish council five years ago with the intention of keeping the pool open.

"Now all we need is the continued support of the people of Silsden, because, after all, it's a community pool. I'm delighted that this has gone the way we wanted."

Coun Jakki Birtwistle, who has also run regular evening swimming lessons since 1995, said a lot of hard work had been put into preparing the business plan.

"We've already started to apply for grants and prepared a letter and brochure to send out to local businesses," she said. "The main attraction of the pool is that it's the only one in this area where you can put three and four-year-olds in the water without an adult."

Coun Birtwistle added that it was the popularity of the evening swimming classes that spurred her on to bring the matter before the parish council.

"Nobody realised what a success the evening lessons would be," she said. "At the busiest time we were running four nights a week and one lunchtime."

Bradford Council has already pledged its support, saying the school can keep a £3,000 grant which was due to be handed back because the pool closed in the middle of the financial year.

Governors have said the parish council can have the money as part of an interest free loan to kick off its fundraising.

Bradford Council has also said it will continue to contribute nearly £6,000 a year providing children's swimming lessons continue.

A statement issued by governors said the parish council would have to find £7,000 to carry out emergency repairs and a further £2,000 a year to keep it running.

A business plan prepared by the parish council revealed the pool could make a profit of more than £3,300, with grants, after-school lessons, children's holiday clubs and some parental contributions.

Silsden's swimming pool was built in the 1970s with donations from people living in the town.

It will now be renamed the John Stanley Bell Memorial Swimming Pool as a tribute to the late headteacher of Hothfield Street School.

Silsden Parish Council will now begin sewing up legal matters with education bosses at Bradford.

Anyone who would like to make a donation towards the pool should send it to parish clerk Joanne Conway at 20 The Mallards, Silsden, BD20 0NT.