Cash boost for swimming club

Orkney Amateur Swimming Club has received £2,000 from The Co-operative Membership, after being announced as one of the winners of the retailer’s Big Community Vote.

The UK-wide initiative, launched in March, encouraged local charities and community groups to nominate themselves and demonstrate the value of their work locally, for the chance to win a cash boost to help their project.

Five groups from the Scottish Highlands and Islands were shortlisted to go forward to an online poll, and members of The Co-operative were asked to vote online for their favourite.

As a result, the Orkney Amateur Swimming Club has been awarded £2,000 to spend on new equipment for its six-lane pool in Kirkwall.

Helen Rothnie, from Orkney Amateur Swimming Club, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for us, which shows how supportive our local network is, and how valued our group’s work is within the community.”