FUNDRAISERS are swapping their swimming costumes for cycle shorts in bid to save Helmsley pool.

The 25m open air pool, which is one of only a handful in the country is on the verge of closure unless about £100,000 can be raised for urgent repairs.

Campaigners, who have vowed to carry of the fight to save the pool, are joining forces with other Yorkshire Lido’s to raise awareness of the threat to these historic facilities.

On June 24 and 25, the fundraisers will take to their bikes and will be cycling the Yorkshire lidos - a 95-mile route between Ilkley, Ingleton and proposed new lido at Otley, as well as a swim at three pools to raise money for all four facilities.

Major investment is needed on Helmsley’s pool’s lining and pipe work to ensure it remained efficient to run. The swimming pool tank is also showing signs of its 48 years of age and has a number of leaks.

One option is to build a new tank within the existing tank which would reduce the pool width from nine metres to eight metres and level out the depth at 1.5 metres - the pool would remain 25 metres long.

Chris Parkin, part of the Save Helmsley Pool working group, said at the moment it was business as usual with the pool opening at next month.

“Helmsley open air pool will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2019 and its team of dedicated volunteers want to see it stay open to celebrate this milestone and secure this beautiful pool for the next 50 years - but as things stand it may well have to close at the end of this season,” he said.

“Our aim is to secure the funding over this time so that we can go to the pool’s trustees, Helmsley Town Council, to get the go-ahead to carry out the work needed, otherwise it will close down.”

Fellow group member Paul Goodwin said: “We are holding this event to raise the profile our open air pools and are encouraging participants to raise sponsorship either for their pool or equally across the four pools.

“Cycling the lidos is a fantastic opportunity to see Yorkshire from a whole new perspective, and raise awareness and funds to help save our pool.

“We have arranged accommodation and hospitality along the route and have tailored packages for all abilities. What’s better than a cooling swim in a pool after a long bike ride.”

For more information, go to helmsleyopenairpool.org or sign up at eventbrite.com/e/cycle-the-yorkshire-lidos-tickets-33543843539