Jack Laugher tells millions of Radio 2 listeners that he backs campaign to name new Ripon swimming pool after him

Olympic gold medallist and all-round local hero Jack, said on national radio that he would love to open the pool, and thought naming it after him is a "really cool" idea, and he seemed very humbled and moved by the whole thing.

A number 36 bus has already been named after Jack in Ripon, and residents have been calling for their new pool to honour him too, saying "it's the right thing to do."

The 'Gazette wholeheartedly backs readers in supporting our diving hero Jack and gaining as much support as possible in making the pool naming happen.

The Mayor of Ripon, Coun Pauline McHardy, has also lent her support. She said: "I think it is a wonderful idea. I am sure that Jack and his achievements will be an inspiration to young people, they will see how hard work and dedication to a skill can achieve the best outcome.

"All our young people are good at something, it's finding out what that something is, and then it should be nurtured. We are all very proud of Jack. I would also like to see some recognition in the pool area dedicated to Sylvia Grice who worked tirelessly for the biggest part of her life teaching thousands of children and adults to swim. She was an amazing teacher and everyone who attended her lessons admired her so much."

Read everything you need to know about the campaign here: https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/campaign-growing-to-name-new-ripon-swimming-pool-after-olympic-gold-medallist-jack-laugher-1-8972836