RESIDENTS who saved their local swimming pool from closure have won national recognition.
The Jesmond Swimming Project was set up by people in the Jesmond area of Newcastle in 1992 to run the baths which were due to be closed by Newcastle City Council.
Since then, more than 1.2 million swimmers have taken advantage of the facility and the group is planning to carry out a £1.5m refurbishment.
The project is one of four that were runners-up in the Enterprising Solution Awards, which were launched to applaud successful social enterprise schemes, and receives £5,000.
Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Enterprise, said: "These awards are a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate these imaginative businesses that are bringing about important social change.
"Social enterprises are contributing to increasing local productivity and competitiveness. They are promoting social inclusion and neighbourhood regeneration. They are developing new ways to deliver public services. In short, they are breathing new life into communities."
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