The pool, which is currently undergoing a major redevelopment, has entered a team in the Skipton Rotary Dragon Boat Regatta to be held at Coniston Lake at the Coniston Hotel and Spa on Sunday May 15.

The pool has long been keen on using its large flat roof for solar panels but the advice had been that, although its south facing aspect is ideal for maximising sunlight, the flat surface made it unsuitable for panels. Now, however, the technology has moved on and new panels can be equipped with legs that mean that, as on a conventional roof, the panels face the sun at times when they can capture the maximum heat.

Up to 21 teams from local businesses and charities will be taking part in the Dragon Boat Challenge, which is being enabled by the Dragon Boat Events organisations. Previous events have proved a popular fun day out but also a great fund raiser for local charities.

Each boat will compete in at least three races, with the first starting at 10am.

The boats feature a fearsome dragons head to the fore with a tail to the rear. In between the body is home for a crew of ten paddlers. A drummer keeps the time at the head and an experienced steerer, provided by the organisers, keeps the boat in its lane over the 200 metre course.

The pool crew, are still being recruited at the time of writing but aim to practise their paddling in advance of the event and hope to get through to the finals which will be held about 3.30pm

Spectators are welcome but most important is backing the crew through sponsorship here at just giving.