SETTLE swimming pool has been given £4,000 from The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

Trustees of the pool recently said the community run facility was in serious danger of closing due to high energy bills.

Colin Coleman, chair of the pool committee, said: "This generous award is further recognition of the role of the pool in the life of our local communities.

"It comes at a time when we have been facing particularly severe financial difficulties and, along with the many other measures that we have taken in recent months and the exceptional response of our supporters and users means that we have been able to reduce our on- going losses and, whilst we have further work to do, we are now in a much better position than we were just a few weeks ago."

Clapham-based YDMT aims to look after the Dales landscape, support local communities and help everyone enjoy and understand the area.

A spokesperson said: "The award is made in recognition of how your organisation (the pool) aligns with YDMT’s charitable aims, specifically to support people to live in, visit and care for the Dales. The awards have been made possible thanks to funding we have received from People’s Postcode Lottery.’

A public meeting to lay out the pool's finances was well attended and resulted in the putting together of new fundraising ideas.

In addition, a second application for funding from Sport England's Swimming Pool Support Fund has also been submitted.