SAVE Grange Lido campaigners were celebrating after receiving a pre-Christmas financial boost in their bid to restore the outdoor swimming pool on the town's promenade.

The Architectural Heritage Fund, part-funded by Historic England, has awarded the group a matched funding grant of £6,000.

Jess Steel, North West Grants Officer for the AHF, said: "Grange Lido is a very special asset and the project commands a great deal of support, not just locally but further afield.

"We are delighted to be able to support the group as they take the next steps towards restoration.”

Phil Bradby, chair of the SGL, said “We were not expecting a decision so quickly so it came as a really nice surprise just days before Christmas. As it is matched funding, it means that every £1 that people have kindly donated becomes £2.”

The grant brings SGL’s fundraising total to more than £13,000 in two months. It also means it qualifies to apply for a project development grant of up to £30,000.

Chris Baron from SGL said: “We are delighted to receive this grant which will enable us to reveal our exciting plans for the pool very soon. We must also thank everyone who has donated to us already or supported us by spending in our online shop.”

The group will spend the money on producing architect’s plans to return the derelict Lido to use with a 50 metre, six-lane pool, a 30-metre pool which it hopes to be able to heat along with a paddling and play pool.

Plans and costings will be ready for release early in the new year. SGL has consulted Wrightfield Pools who are experts in pool restoration and restored the hugely successful Lido Ponty in Wales. They have estimated the cost of the pool restoration and new plant at £1.2m and SGL has offered to raise this money.

Mr Bradby said “The success of numerous lido projects across the country shows that it is possible to raise the funds necessary to restore the swimming pool and that, with good business planning, it would be viable to run.”

SGL's aims came one step closer last month when SLDC agreed to work with the group as it prepares a business plan and funding options for the project.

Eighteen thousand people signed petitions calling on SLDC to include swimming when they restore the historic Lido on the promenade at Grange.

SGL plans to raise funds for the renovation of the Grade II listed pool without the need for council subsidy. The group also received a donation of £500 from representatives of the former Troutbeck Swimming Pool who are keen to help the Lido project.

SLDC's proposals involve an investment of £2million to restore the buildings around the site and SGL wants to add the pool into those plans. They have produced a business plan and are working to produce plans and costings to make the idea a reality.