Campaigners have set themselves the target of reopening an open-air swimming pool by next summer.

But they have warned they will have to raise £25,000 for it to happen.

Arundel Swimming Pool was closed more than two years ago because it needed major repairs.

Arundel and Downland Community Leisure Trust took over responsibility for the pool site at the end of May this year from Arun District Council and trust chairman Ruth Kerslake said: "In the short-term the trust aims to reopen the pool to the public next summer.

"This is an ambitious target because in the region of £25,000 will needed to subsidise the pool without compromising the longer- term objective, which is the subject of the trust's £1.75 million appeal."

The majority of the £1.75million will go into building a sports centre with facilities including a health and fitness suite.

Mrs Kerslake said: "Whilst some of the proposed facilities, such as the community sports hall, will be designed to meet the needs of the community, others including the health and fitness suite are intended to generate a financial surplus which can be used to cross subsidise the outdoor swimming pool."

A Friends of Arundel Pool has just been set up for people to support the pool and keep in touch with the trust's progress.

For details of the group call Joanna Williams on 01243 551524.