A 92-YEAR-OLD swimmer will be first to take the plunge as Teignmouth’s popular Lido opens for the summer season on Saturday.

Eric Beatty will be first in the under-threat seafront pool which is reopening following an outpouring of public support to stop the town’s valuable asset being lost.

As the pool is poised to open, Teignmouth Lido Community Trust has revealed it intends to submit a bid to buy the pool for a ‘nominal sum’.

The trust says it has strong community backing to take over running of the Lido and protect it in the long term as a community facility which improves the health and wellbeing of local people as well as attracting more visitors to the town.

Trustees are preparing a ‘robust’ business plan which incorporates an extended season and opening hours and an enhanced programme of community events.

Eric was a founder member and former chairman of Teignmouth Swimming Club and was a keen sea swimmer until two years ago.

His sporting career also involved water polo off Teignmouth beach and he is a lifelong member and former Teignmouth Rugby Club player.

He planned to take up swimming again this summer in the safe, warm environment that Teignmouth Lido has to offer and was very disappointed to hear that the pool would be closed and the site sold off.

Having been one of the first users of the Lido when it opened in 1974, Eric is keen to be involved in its re-launch

He said: ‘I’m really looking forward to being the first one in the Lido this year, a good swim perks me up, and there’s nothing quite like the first dip of the season.

‘I was devastated to hear that the Lido was under threat of closure, swimming is so important to the kids of Teignmouth - it keeps them fit and gives them something worthwhile to do.

‘Swimming and rugby have been my life – alongside my family. I still go out most days to visit the rugby club and other Teignmouth hostelries.

‘I’m convinced that swimming has kept me fit and active in my 90s so I want this opportunity for future generations of Teignmouth.’

Following a huge public outcry, Teignbridge Council reversed the decision it made in February to keep the Lido closed this summer.

The council will now run the Lido as usual this season but is seeking bids for an alternative use of the site after the end of this season.

The Lido is designated as an Asset of Community Value which gives community groups a six month period to prepare a bid to buy the site before it can be sold on the open market.

The trust is raising funds from donations, merchandise sales and events to meet the initial costs of preparing a bid and taking over the running of the Lido.

If the trust’s bid to take over the running of the Lido is successful, it will then be able to access a wide range of grants and other funding streams to maintain and improve the Lido.

If the bid is not successful, any surplus funding raised will be donated to other local community groups.

Teignmouth Lido Community Trust Chairman Paul Burgess said: ‘We look forward to the Lido opening this season, and to working alongside Teignbridge Leisure to develop an exciting programme of swimming and related activities well into the winter season.

‘We are overwhelmed by the support from the local community in our Save the Lido Campaign – and we are delighted that the council has listened to the public and given us the opportunity to create a sustainable community asset for Teignmouth and the wider area.

‘And we’re very excited that local legend Eric Beatty is here to showcase the undoubtable benefits to health and wellbeing that swimming offers.’

For information about the current season of Teignmouth Lido activities and timetable visit Teignbridge Leisure and for updates on the plans going forward for Teignmouth Lido follow: @Save The Lido Teignmouth on Facebook.