A school swimming pool has been saved from closure after parents, pupils and local businesses raised £27,000 for repairs.

The West Hove Infant School pool, which is also used by junior pupils, has helped thousands of children to learn to swim since it opened in 1968.

However, 45 years of continuous use left the facility in a poor state of repair.

On top of this, youngsters were having to traipse from a separate changing room in their kit, often in the wind and rain.

When health and safety officials started breathing down their necks in January last year, a group of parents decided to take action.

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Mum-of-two Sarah Whiffen rallied the troops and set about raising the £27,000 needed.

She said: “It seems like a long time ago now.

“We firstly had to persuade people it was worth keeping the pool rather than extending the playground or something.

“Once we’d achieved that, the momentum really built up and carried us all the way.”

A flurry of fundraising events followed, with everything from fun runs and sponsored swims to discos and cake sales.

Local businesses also got on board with workplace match funding and raffle prize donations.

She said: “The response was incredible.

“Local businesses were fantastic and we had some incredible donations from former pupils. One lady anonymously gave £1,000.

People really care about the pool and that’s great.

“We exceeded our target by £2,500 but more importantly we have guaranteed the future of the swimming pool.

“Swimming is more than just a sport – it’s a lifesaving skill.

“This is an urban school and not all parents can afford to send their children for swimming lessons.

“It’s important for all youngsters to learn but more so with a school so close to the seafront.”

Work is to begin shortly with much of the old structure being knocked down and replaced. Weather permitting it is expected to be finished by Easter 2014.

The group will hand over a cheque to Wendy Harkness, headteacher of West Hove Infant School, on October 23.