MORE than 30 years of dedication to swimming means Richmond grandmother Eveline Pearson can now take the plunge for free.

She has been awarded lifelong membership of the town’s swimming pool fort her tireless efforts to promote the sport.

It began when her daughter was young and learning to swim. Bored with just watching, Eveline decided to get in the pool with her.

Already a keen swimmer she decided to take the teaching courses to allow her to help out with the pool's swimming club. As coaches left the club, she stood in - becoming the continuity the club needed to develop.

In 1982 she was back at school, taking the swimming officials’ course to become a timekeeper, judge and starter for club events. She began officiating most weekends and still maintains her licensed official status.

For many years she was secretary of the Richmond Dales Amateur Swim Club and in 1984 she was elected president of the Northumberland and Durham Counties - a post she held for a year and it led to her continued service on the group's executive committee.

As a swimmer Eveline has completed many challenges including the Lake Swim challenge of 3,396 lengths and the Mississippi challenge of 3,410 lengths.

“Eveline can be found swimming at Richmond Pool every morning - whatever the weather,” said the manager of the Richmondshire Leisure Trust, Auston Gordon.

“ She is dedicated to the sport - and it is for this commitment and her contribution to the pool that we have awarded her free access to swimming at the facility.”