A TALENTED group of women has come up with a crafty, festive idea to raise money for a much loved community asset.

Members of Selside Ladies, a friends group set up in the small hamlet of Selside, near Settle, two years ago have created a knitted Christmas tree.

The tree, now taking pride of place in the entrance foyer of Settle and District Swimming Pool, is helping to raise funds for the community run pool by inviting people to attach a bauble to the tree for a small donation.

It has been created by the Selside Ladies at the group's monthly meetings over the last 12 months.

Masterminded by one of the group, the idea quickly gained momentum as a collaborative project, where the ladies learned to knit and crochet squares.

A willow frame was made one of the team, amid many of the other activities organised by the group, and the pool in Settle was chosen as a great venue to display the tree and raise some money at the same time.

Tash Ward, the pool's manager, said :"The tree attracts a lot of attention, as well as making a festive focal point as local people come to use the pool and fitness facilities and spaces.

"All of the donations will be used to purchase certificates and badges for all children as they work towards improving their swimming skills.”

Tash added: "The pool is a fantastic community resource and local groups always help out to the keep it alive and available for us all to use”. Selside Ladies’ group, in upper Ribblesdale was founded to provide fun, friendship and a common purpose two years ago.

Members have organised and run a plethora of activities, including learning to box, wildlife-friendly gardening, photography, games, visits, parties, cooking and crafts, a murder mystery night and numerous talks from experts.

A spokesperson said: "We are inviting people to write a memory or message on a Christmas decoration and pin it to the tree, for a donation of their choice. You can help to trim this tree and support settle community pool."

"If people would like to donate to this community project either by dropping into the pool to leave your message or people can donate at https://www.settleswimmingpool.co.uk/ on the pool’s Just Giving page."

The spokesperson added: "Thanks go to Rachelle for masterminding the project, Rachel for the wonderful willow frame, Lynn, Sarah, Jill, Janet, Fiona, Jo, Elizabeth, Norma, Tanya and Anna."

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