THREE years of hard work, fund-raising and planning will be rewarded this weekend when a primary school unveils its newly-refurbished swimming pool.

Parents of pupils at Etwall Primary School raised more than £90,000 for the SOS Sink or Swim appeal to replace a damaged polytunnel covering the 1970s teaching pool.

Work to change the structure for a brick building began last July and has now been completed.

To celebrate the completion of the appeal and the work, parents are holding an open weekend on Saturday and Sunday to give everyone a chance to look around the improved pool.

British Olympic swimmer Ross Davenport, who visited the school to boost fund-raising, will be there to officially reopen the pool.

People contributed to the appeal by buying a commemorative brick. They will be able to see their bricks set into a wall of dedication.

Andy Preston, SOS appeal chairman and project manager, said: "Everyone has worked tirelessly during this time.

"We have been able to turn our dreams and aspirations into a reality.

"A huge debt is owed to so many involved with the project, including the community and contractors, many of whom worked at a reduced rate.

"The SOS team has been 100% committed to making sure we met our end-goal. It's been a pleasure to be part of such a brilliant team, a great bunch of people."

Councillor Lisa Brown, who has been heavily involved in the project, said the pool refurbishment had been a big team effort.

She said: "This exceptionally worthwhile project which will have enormous benefits for all the young aspiring swimmers in our area, has finally come to fruition.

"It has been a long haul for many of us and has been a real team effort."

Head teacher Janet Meakin has supported the parents' efforts and is delighted the pool has been upgraded.

She said: "Our swimming pool rebuilding project was very ambitious and it has been an incredible achievement to raise the funds and complete the work in a very short period of time, which is really appreciated by the children at Etwall Primary."

Money was raised through a variety of sources, including grants, dances and an open garden scheme in the village

The school's pool was one of many built in south Derbyshire in the 1970s.

While the pool itself is in relatively good condition, the polytunnel covering – made of a heavy-duty polythene material – has deteriorated over the years.

The pool will be open for viewing on Saturday between 11.30am and 4pm and on Sunday from 1- 4pm.