ESTON Amateur Swimming Club is on the way to funding new starting blocks after a homebuilder splashed the cash and handed over £1,000.

The club, based at Eston Sports Academy in Middlesbrough, is in need of new blocks to allow its members to train competitively.

It was awarded £1,000 by Persimmon Homes Teesside’s Community Champions fund.

Stewart Farrar, for the club, said: “We are in a socially deprived area and provide grassroots access to competitive swimming for everyone aged from five upwards.

“Unfortunately, our blocks have been condemned and we are trying to raise £3,600 to replace them at a cost of £600 each.

“Without these our swimmers will be unable to train and develop appropriately for the competitive swimming environment. We have been raising funds ourselves and this donation takes us a lot closer to our target – it’s a great boost and we are grateful for the support.”