A regional daily is backing a local swimming club’s bid to raise £10,000 to avoid going under.
Blackburn Centurions, founded in 1878, is the leading competitive swimming club in the North West but faces significant pressure due to the cost of hiring facilities.
Now the Blackburn-based Lancashire Telegraph is backing a fundraising campaign to support the club.
The club says it needs to raise £10,000 to stay afloat for another 12 months, and the campaign is already half way towards it target.
Richard Duggan, regional editor North West for Newsquest and editor of the Lancashire Telegraph, said: “The closure of Blackburn Centurions would be a huge loss for nearly 100 children who are passionate about swimming – not to mention countless other youngsters in the future.
“Organisations such as this one play a vital part in the community by bringing young people together to follow their dreams and keep fit whilst having fun.
“I know that time are tough, but I am asking our readers to donate as little or as much as they can to save this beloved local institution so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.”
Club chair Ruth Johnson said: “We worry that if the club closes, a lot of swimmers would give up. It would be a real shame to see it go just because of the number of members we have now and what we do for the community and what it brings to the leisure centre.”