AN appeal has been launched to save one of the few school swimming pools in Dorset.

Stormy weather saw the roof blow off the pool at Talbot Primary School in Wallisdown in November.

Since then swimming lessons have been halted for pupils from six schools who make use of the facilities.

A temporary structure has just been fitted to allow a local club to use the pool but permanent repairs are needed.

Head teacher Kate Curtis said the pool, which has been open at the Talbot Drive school for 40 years, is a vital resource for the local community.

She told the Daily Echo: “There was a horrific storm in November and the roof was pulled off. It was all over the playground so we had to close the pool immediately and cordon off a large part of the playground.

“We had to be careful that no debris was falling when the children were at school.”

She said many members of the local community have learned to swim in the pool and said: “It would be a terrible shame if it had to close permanently.

“Every single child in the school uses it, as do children from five other local schools.

“We live in a coastal area and we feel it is very important that every child leaves this school with the ability to swim.”

Mrs Curtis said it is estimated that more than £100,000 will be needed to carry out the work.

But she stressed that no money will be taken from the school budget for the repairs.

“We will not be using money that would have a negative impact on anything else in the school such as the curriculum.

“We are looking for donations but we will also be running fund raising events in the new year.”

Two years ago an appeal to save the pool at Moordown St John’s school in Bournemouth raised £25,000 for much-needed repairs.

Pupils at the school organised a swimathon, while disabled boy, Zack Sturgess, nine, organised his own 21-mile swimming challenge to help raise the funds.

Two members of staff also jumped out of a plane and took part in a sponsored skydive.

Anyone who wishes to support the appeal can do so at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/talbotprimaryschool-swimmingpool