Pirates of the Caribbean star Mackenzie Crook has taken to the water once more – diving in to help his former school save its swimming pool.

Mackenzie, also known for playing Gareth in sitcom The Office, dropped in on Sutton-at-Hone Primary to help it raise £80,000 towards the refurbishment.

The actor, 39, was a youngster at the Church Road school 30 years ago when the pool was built. But it faces closure within the next two years if funds cannot be found to bring it up to standard.

Swimming instructor Jenny Christmas, who is spearheading the appeal, is selling imaginary bricks in a bid to raise the funds, and said Mackenzie, also a former Wilmington Grammar School for Boys pupil, had promised to buy one during Sunday’s visit.

“He just rang me up out of the blue the other day and said he wanted to come down,” she said. “He was lovely and spent quite a bit of time with us. He said he’s got fond memories of the pool.”

Aside from donations, the school is also hoping for about £60,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

To add your support call the school on 01322 862147.