Dawlish Swimming Club has been saved from going under – thanks to an army of crowdfunding supporters.

The club needed to raise £20,000 in pledges to secure its future, after being unable to generate income from its usual events during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Today, the Crowdfunder page is displaying a total of £20,798, meaning the club will definitely get a grant of £8,000 from Sport England.

That grant was part of the £20,000 pledged, but would not have been forthcoming if the total amount had not been reached.

The swimming club has posted on Facebook, saying: "We've done it! Crowdfunder target reached. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us, we are so grateful. This money will ensure the club's continuation during these difficult times."

The Crowdfunder campaign included the chance to buy virtual tickets for prize draws to win a range of prizes donated by local businesses and other supporters.

The club will be announcing the winners in the next few days.

It will also be able to start planning ahead for an extension of its activities, to provide sessions for children from disadvantaged families, and disabled adults.

Read more about the crowdfunding campaign: Swimming club makes fresh appeal to reach fundraising target