A NEW sponsor is needed to help pay swimming pool costs at this year’s Colchester Fire Swim.

The charity event has raised more than £500,000 for firefighters and good causes in north Essex.

However this year £500 may have to go on paying for the pool unless a sponsor comes forward.

Use of the pool was previously given for free but Leisure World now operates as a commercial business rather than a service and organisers were told they had to pay.

During the last couple of years a sponsor has covered a cost but nobody has come forward this year.

Committee chairman Jeremy Tuckwell said: “Anyone out there who would like to sponsor the event please come forward.”

There are also still some lanes free.

Each team of six swims for an hour in a relay format.

The event lasts for 12 hours with prizes available for the teams which swim the most lengths and more importantly those that raise the most in sponsorship.

Half of the money raised goes towards helping injured firefighters and their families with the other half split between good causes in the area.

Last year organisers received the highest national accolade available from the national fire service.

To sponsor the event or enter a team call Mr Tuckwell on 07791 671509.