Street and District Swimming Club has been delighted at the support shown so far by people and businesses in Shepton Mallet in its mission to raise funds to get swimmers back in the pool safely following the Covid-19 crisis.

A club spokesman said: "We are just blown away by the response to our appeal so far.

"We are aiming to raise a total of £10,000 which will secure the future of this club that has taught so many local children to swim.

"The club is such a valued part of the local community - some of our coaches actually trained with the club as children and we want that to continue for many years to come."

It was a double celebration for the club's 130 swimmers this week when the they received confirmation from Sport England that their application for Active Together match-funding had been approved - there was also the long-awaited announcement from the government that pools will be allowed to reopen from July 25.

Street and District's Crowdfunder page offers a range of reward options for those who make a donation.

There is something on offer for everyone, including family portrait sessions with award-winning Glastonbury photography studio Made Portraits, a massage voucher for Karen Christensen Hair and Beauty in Wells, taxi rides to Bristol Airport from Maia Executive Taxi, family tickets to visit Shepton Mallet Prison, and sacks of Somerset potatoes, fresh from Mountfields Farm in Ilminster.

Club chairman, Darren Hunter-Clarke, said: "The club is hugely grateful to the local businesses who have stepped forward to offer goods and services in support of our appeal.

"It has been wonderful to see the community come together towards achieving our target, and it will make such a difference to our young swimmers."

The club is particularly keen to attract corporate donations to its Crowdfunder from local businesses who would like to support the club and have their business logo featured on club banners, website and social media.

In addition, all corporate donations will be entered into a draw to have their logo placed on Street and District squad hats for the upcoming 2020/21 swim season.

You can make a donation to support Street and District Swimming club's Crowdfunding appeal and view their progress so far at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/street-district-swimming-clubs-covid-appeal.