A KEEN sportsman and football coach has heaped praise on Settle Pool for getting him back on the road to fitness after he broke both ankles.

Dr Tony Gill spent several weeks having physiotherapy at the pool following a car accident on Boxing Day last year.

And he says the care he received and the encouragement and support from the pool 'community' meant he was able to return to work much quicker.

Dr Gill said he was saddened that the pool would no longer receive annual funding from Craven District Council and its value to the community could not be over-stated.

"I don't think they realise the value of the pool to the local community and its value in terms of holistic care for many who need these sessions on a weekly basis , many of us would not be where we are today if not for the pool," he said.

Dr Gill, who moved to Settle just before his accident, spent six weeks with both legs in plaster, and then many more learning how to walk again.

"It was an awful slow process and I struggled with many aspects of this, using a zimmer frame, progressing to crutches, and then unaided with a big cumbersome boot," he said.

"One of the aspects that no one prepares you for is the isolation, feelings of never getting better, the frustration at not being able to do normal things, many of these would have driven anyone mad, and it could easily lead to bouts of depression."

He said Settle Pool had been his "'life-saver".

"The impact on that pool cannot be measured in monetary value alone and that is the unique aspect of this invaluable community resource.

"From the moment I walked through that door it has been the best and most wonderful experience I could have asked for."

Settle and District Pool, which has just celebrated its 40th anniversary, has launched a bid for sponsorship in a bid to make up the money it will no longer receive from the council. Last year, the council agreed to a final £32,000 grant, to be spread over two years.

"I hope that Settle pool can prosper for another 40 years, it is a life-saving community resource that Settle should be proud of, and should receive more funding not less," said Dr Gill.

"It's a life-saving, invaluable community resource that should be encouraged to grow and develop."