Coach hopes to lead crowds to new pool

As work progresses on Durham's pool and leisure centre, next to the Sixth-Form Centre, in Freeman's Place, the city council has appointed a swimming development coach.

Laura Welford will work with local swimming clubs, schools and the community to encourage as many people as possible to try swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle.

A former member of the Loftus Dolphins Swimming Club, 21-year-old Ms Welford, a freestyle swimmer in national competitions, also has a degree in sport, health and exercise.

The Durham University graduate said: "I am sure interest in the fantastic new facility will build as it approaches completion.

"My job is to make sure that people are aware of the opportunities it offers and encourage them to use swimming as part of their health and fitness programmes.

"I plan to get out into the community, visiting local schools and promoting swimming as an ideal way of keeping in shape and staying healthy."

Her post is one of 69 new coaching positions in the region, funded as part of Sport England North-East's £1.3m investment through the community sports coach scheme, match-funded by the city council, the Durham Schools Sports Partnership and the British Amateur Swimming Association.

Judith Rasmussen, regional director with Sport England North-East, said: "This is a great opportunity for Laura and the City of Durham to raise the profile of the new pool and ensure people are aware of all the other new facilities alongside the pool."

City council leisure development manager Deborah Holmes, said: "Laura is extremely enthusiastic about sport, swimming and the magnificent new facility we're developing here in Durham.

"I'm sure that her enthusiasm will prove infectious as she sets about the job of encouraging people to use the pool and leisure centre."

Work on the £12.3m complex began in November and the eight-lane pool and leisure facilities are expected to be completed by the autumn next year.