AMBITIOUS plans to build an Olympic-sized 50-metre swimming pool in a Kent city have been given a major boost.

The University of Kent has revealed it has committed £10million to the scheme, which would see a pool built alongside its existing sports centre at Canterbury.

The university has also disclosed that it would be prepared to take on the all the running costs once it is open. Those are estimated to be £500,000 a year.

The news is signficant fillip for a project which just months ago was throught to have been sunk because of a lack of funds. It raises the prospect of Kent finally securing a major sports facility on the back of the 2012 London Olympics.

Vice chancellor Professor David Melville said the university was determined to do what it could to provide the county with a lasting legacy from the Games.

Detailed designs have already been drawn up and the university is confident a pool could be open in 2009.

A meeting to discuss funding is due to be held later this month.

* See the Kentish Gazette for the full story.