TAVISTOCK could be in line for a fantastic new swimming facility, part of the Olympic Legacy programme, if a £2.25-million scheme spearheaded by Kelly College comes to fruition.

The school is bidding to acquire a 50-metre, ten-lane pool which will become surplus to requirements once the 2012 Olympics are over.

Kelly headmaster Dr Graham Hawley said acquiring one of the three pools available was a 'once in a generation opportunity'.

He said: 'Having built up a 30 to 40-year reputation in swimming, we want to continue to invest, and to provide one of the leading swim programmes in the country.

'We believe we have a very good chance of success — we have an outstanding history of producing top class swimmers, which is something we hope the Olympic Legacy committee will take into account.'

Dr Hawley said demand for 50-metre pools far outstripped supply in the UK.

'There are more 50-metre pools in Paris than there are in the whole of the UK — many swimmers believe that one of the reasons we as a nation are not as prominent as we could be is linked with the lack of pools.

'We believe having a 50-metre pool will be good for our swim squad and the wider school community, bring additional income to Kelly through rentals, and will also be good for Tavistock and the wider area, as our original pool will be freed for greater community use.'

Dr Hawley said the project was a big investment, but being granted an Olympic Legacy pool would potentially save £600,000, and Kelly had a number of benefactors who were keen to support the project.

He said he was 'cautiously excited' about the school's chances of success.

'There's no guarantee that the Olympic Legacy Committee will grant us one of these pools, and there's no guarantee we will raise the money, but we believe the strength of our bid is that it could enhance so much our ability to produce Olympic and Paralympic swimmers, and to contribute towards swimming in Tavistock and the wider area.'

Tavistock mayor Cllr Philip Sanders last month spoke to members of the town council about Kelly's pool bid.

He said: 'Effectively, these pools are like large tin baths that can be transported elsewhere.

'Those of you who are into swimming will know that apart from Plymouth, once the Life Centre is built, there are only 50-metre pools at Millfield and Bath, so availability in the South West has been a problem for some time.'

Cllr Sanders told the council that Kelly College was not asking for money or resources, merely support for such a bid, which was also being sought from other authorities.

He said: 'West Devon is prepared in principle to support on the basis it helps with their improving public health policy; South Hams likewise, and I understand the county is supporting it.

'There is a very tight timescale — the governing body expect to hear this side of Christmas whether their application is successful.

'I think this a major opportunity for the people of Tavistock, and the South West. It's high time we had a pool of this calibre in the area.'

Cllr Mandy Govier said her father-in-law taught swimming for 46 years and was responsible for bringing world class coach Archie Brew to Kelly College in the 80s.

She said: 'I always said if I won the lottery I would get a 50-metre pool for Tavistock — I would like to whole-heartedly support this.'

The council unanimously agreed to write to Kelly College in support of its application, and wished the school luck with the project.