TWO farmers have taken the plunge and opened a swimming pool for the public to use.

Former Olympic silver medallist Sharron Davies was on hand to officially open the site, along with owners Martin and Deb Ford.

It is based at Yeowood Farm, in Iwood Lane, and stands between Congresbury and Wrington. The Ford family hope members of the public will enjoy using Ourpool’s facility.

It has a 12x6m swimming pool and is being let out for 13-week sessions. Up to eight people can use it at any one time.

Mr Ford said he was proud of what they have created.

He added: “This pool took years to develop. I’m pleased we now have a top-class amenity for the people of North Somerset.”

The site is home to a variety of non-traditional farming businesses, including Twisted Oak microbrewery and a wedding photography firm.

Keeping with the rural theme, chickens continue to roam nearby and the pool is powered by a combination of solar energy and a boiler which runs off elephant grass.

The farm’s expansion was partly funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and has also been supported by DEFRA and Business West. The pool has all the necessary safety accreditation displayed online and impressed Ms Davies, who described it as a ‘quality development’.

The medallist at the Moscow Olympics in 1980 said: “Swimming is a great exercise for all ages and to have a pool like this open for people to book is great for local swimmers.”