OLYMPIC silver medallist David Davies has stepped up to become an ambassador for Bude's historic tidal swimming pool, to help spread the word about how important the sea pool is to the local community and visitors to the town.

David, the 26 year old athlete who hails from Wales, won a silver medal at Beijing in the gruelling men's 10km open water race so he's very familiar with the challenge of outdoor swimming.

He's also won gold in the Commonwealth games, and further medals in the world champions ships and Athens Olympics at 1500m and 400m, as well as claiming British records in various classes.

David knows all about how hard it is to keep these iconic facilities open. He said: "Having been brought up in a seaside town, I appreciate the enjoyment of a sea pool. We too had a sea pool on Whitmore Bay, filled by the waters of the Bristol Channel, which over the years has fallen into disrepair. I would be delighted to champion your cause."

For a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.