Ref. 26051Highworth is a step closer to getting its long-awaited sliding pool roof thanks to a £20,000 donation.

Highworth United Reform-ed Church came up with the cash, part of the £2m it received from the sale of the Pentylands Field, pushing the appeal nearer its £800,000 target.

The gift takes the total raised so far to £322,000.

The Trust's chairman of the executive Phil Baker said: "This is a real encouragement to all of us at the Recreation Centre as we seek to ensure the future of the centre for the next generation.

"It is especially encouraging to our hard working fundraising group to receive such support from the local community.

"The contribution is especially timely as The Rec has had a difficult few weeks with its ageing pool plant and this most generous gift helps to lift the spirits of everyone.

"Everyone at the Centre is so grateful for the generosity of the members of the United Reformed Church in making this contribution to our appeal."

Bryan Elkington, an elder of the United Reformed Church, said: "The church was very glad to be in a position to contribute to this campaign.

"We are a Highworth church, and this roof will benefit the people of Highworth."

Highworth pool, which was built in 1968, is the only open-air one left in Wiltshire.

It underwent an £18,000 refurbishment in March, 2002, but its future was brought into question following frequent vandal attacks last summer.

Trustees believe that a roof will help prevent further attacks as well as enabling the pool to stay open throughout the year.

Meanwhile residents are designing tiles, for a minimum donation of £2.50, to raise more cash for the appeal. They will be displayed at the Recreation Centre.

St Michael's and Highworth United Reformed Church received £3.8m between them from the sale of fields in Pentylands Lane to developer Wilcon Homes Western, now called Wilson Connolly, in March, 2001.

A spokesman for the firm said: "Wilson Connolly will be challenging the decision before the end of the year."

It planned to build 54 homes on the site but Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's office ruled in May this year the company could not develop there.

The fields had been bequeathed to the churches for the benefit of the people of Highworth, and were used by residents for playing, walking dogs and other recreational purposes.

Call fundraising chairwoman Sally Williams on 01793 763514 for details of events.