Protective equipment has been provided for a Bedale-based water polo group through a fund set up to benefit community groups and projects.
Northallerton Amateur Swimming Club has a thriving water polo section training at Bedale Leisure Centre, but to play they must wear special ear defender caps.
Local ward member Cllr David Webster used £350 of his locality budget to help to pay for two new sets of caps.
The club, which includes people of all ages and abilities, started out with the Bedale Sharks Swimming Club. It combined with the Northallerton club during the Covid-19 pandemic and now has about 120 members playing in local leagues and galas.
“Water polo is a strong section of the club, but it is vital they all wear protective equipment when playing,” said fundraising co-ordinator David Halliday.
“We have membership fees, which cover our base costs, and fundraise too, but it’s with the larger one-off purchases like the caps where we need extra help, and we are very grateful for the grant from North Yorkshire Council.”
Each North Yorkshire councillor has a £10,000 pot from the locality fund to help community groups and organisations with projects and events.
Cllr Webster, who represents the Bedale division on the council, added: “This is a popular element of the swimming club and introduces many young people to the sport, so I am delighted to have been able to help them maintain the safe environment for all players.”
In addition to the water polo section, the club trains every day throughout the week between Northallerton Leisure Centre and Bedale Leisure Centre and caters for swimmers of all ages from learners through to masters level. More information about the club is available via nasc@nasc.co.uk on email.
Contact your local councillor to access locality budget funding.