THE Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard has handed over a cheque for £2,435 to Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool.

The money will pay for a new covered pay desk at the popular attraction at Cecily Hill.

Standard editor John Wilson presented the cheque to pool trustees Valerie Wheeler and Michael Athienites.

The money came from the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett, which is the parent company of Standard publisher Newsquest Media Group.

At the end of last year it announced grants of nearly £300,000 to 50 good causes around the UK.

Mr Athienites said: "We are delighted to receive this grant. It really will make a difference to how the pool operates."

The new pay desk will be a covered construction that will replace the current one which leaves staff and electronic payment equipment exposed to the weather.

Mr Wilson said: "Local newspapers like ours are part of the communities they serve, and it is our privilege to be able to help good causes like this where we can.

"The pool brings much pleasure to local people, so I am particularly happy to see it receiving this money."

Cirencester Open Air Swimming pool was built in 1869, and is one of the oldest in the country. It is open from the end of May until early September.