A group of enthusiasts are to try to raise cash for the Ryedale Flood Response Fund - by taking to the water!

Daytones: The Daytones Barber Shop choir join MS fundraisers from Woodlands Respite Care outside St Crux in York

Going in at the deep end are patrons of Norton's Derwent Pool with a sponsored swim later this month.

The pool managed to stay open through the floods, despite its main entrance being only yards from the level crossing at County Bridge between Norton and Malton, which was completely submerged, cutting the towns off from each other and severing York-Scarborough rail links.

Ryesport, which runs leisure facilities in Ryedale including the Derwent Pool, will allow free admission to customers who have gained sponsorship so they can complete their swim.

Its chief executive, Pete Walker, said: "Whilst the Derwent Pool in Church Street was not directly affected by the floods, several of our staff and customers have undergone a terrible experience."

He added: "The Ryesport board of management felt that we, as a company, should attempt to assist those who have suffered by way of a contribution to the Ryedale Flood Response Fund."

Duty manager Tony Thornton said they had not set a target for the effort. Most local people knew someone who suffered in the floods, and this was a chance to help them with an activity they may take part in regularly.

"Just come and swim as far as you want, and hopefully do some good," he added.

All swims must take place between April 19 and 25. They can be completed in stages or all at once, and should take place within normal public swimming sessions. Participants who have completed all or part of their swim should present their record card to a pool staff member for verification.

Sponsorships forms and further details are available from the pool. All cash collected must be handed in by May 23.

Meanwhile a barber shop choir from Wetherby has been winging its way across to York to share its singing talents in an effort to raise money for the flood victims. The choir pleased the crowd outside the Jorvik Viking Centre and then sprung a surprise performance at St Crux where volunteers were fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis. Joy Crawshaw, a fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis, said: "We were all just sitting having a cup of tea and the choir came in for a cold drink.

"Then this singing just appeared from nowhere. It was a wonderful experience, they brought a smile to everyone's face."

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