Hopes of re-opening Brynaman Lido have taken a step forward - thanks to a donation from Persimmon Homes.

Volunteers are working to raise enough cash to bring the lido back into use. The swimming pool was built in the 1930s and was closed in 2010 after freezing winter weather caused £20,000 worth of damage to the drains and pump house.

The cause has been boosted by a £1,000 grant from Persimmon Homes through the housebuilder’s Building Futures scheme.

Building Futures will deliver more than £1m to good causes this year.

Eleri Ware, Brynaman Lido committee member, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this donation from Persimmon Homes.

“We’re determined to refurbish and reopen Brynaman's derelict 1930s swimming pool for the physical and mental health of our young people.

“As part of that, we want to establish a Youth Committee in order to involve our young people in the process. This £1,000 will be spent on running costs for the Youth Committee, such as venue hire for meetings, travel and subsistence for research visits to other lidos, branded t-shirts for member and printing of event flyers and posters.”

The group hopes to start work on the lido in January next year.

Building Futures aims to support community groups working with under-18s across three categories – education & arts, health and sport.

A total of 128 grants of £1,000 will be awarded across Persimmon’s 32 regional businesses to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects.

Three initiatives will go on to win £100,000 each through a national online public vote. The winners will be named at a gala dinner for finalists in November.

In each sector – education & arts, health and sport – as well as the £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.

Sharon Bouhali, sales director at Persimmon Homes West Wales, said: “We’re delighted to support Brynaman Lido with this donation.

“This group has big plans and we’re pleased to be able to play a role in that.

“Outdoor swimming is booming in popularity and I’m sure the re-opening of this lido will be warmly welcomed by thousands of people.”

Entries to Building Futures are now closed, with Persimmon set to announce its regional finalists in the coming weeks.

Persimmon is preparing to start work on stunning new homes on Aberavon seafront. Househunters can now register an interest by visiting www.persimmonhomes.com or calling 01639 509 055

For more information on Brynaman Lido visit www.brynamanlido.com