A CROWD-FUNDING appeal has been set up in a bid to save the Moordown St John's swimming pool.

Around £25,000 is needed for essential refurbishment work at the Bournemouth primary's pool, one of the few remaining within state schools in the area.

Now members of the public have been urged to support an appeal which will be running on the justgiving site for a month.

School finance manager Ria Laws said she hopes the money will be in place in time for work to be carried out during the school summer holiday.

The pool opened in 1969 and has had no renovation since it was built.

Work needed includes replacement of tiles, re-grouting the pool, a deep clean, redecoration and resurfacing the area around the pool.

The school also aims to deepen the pool by around 40cm by raising the sides because it is currently classed as a learner pool and is therefore not suitable for more advanced swimming or for older children.

The pool, described as a "huge asset" to pupils, is used by around 700 children every week, both during the school day and in out-of-school clubs.

In order to boost funds, a number of events are planned including sponsored swims, fun swim sessions and pool parties.

Anyone who wishes to support the appeal should go to justgiving.com/msj-SaveOurSwimmingPool or contact Mrs Laws at r.laws@st-johns.bournemouth.sch.uk