SHE swam there when it first opened in 1938, and has swum there almost every day since.

So for Newport pensioner Bernice Hooper the proposed closure of Maindee swimming baths is a sad prospect.

The 85-year-old grandmother has fond memories of competing against the breaststroke world record- holder at the gala opening of the art-deco-style baths in July 1938.

Mrs Hooper swam in a race against Manchester's Marjorie Hinton, the 200m breast-stroke world record-holder, who competed at the 1928 Olympic Games.

"It was a tremendous occasion in Newport," said Mrs Hooper. "The hall was filled with people and it was very exciting. I was proud to take part in it and race against the champion. As I recall it ended in a dead heat."

Now, 66 years later, the future of Newport's oldest pool is uncertain. A £5 million state-of-the-art pool is being built in Spytty as part of the Newport Sports Village, part-funded by a £1.5 million cash injection from the National Lottery.

But Mrs Hooper said she will be sad if Maindee pool closed.

"I swim at Maindee every morning at 6.15," she said.

"I think it's got another 50 years of life left in it and I would be very upset to see it closed. It would be a sad day for Newport."

Swimming and a love of the pool runs in Mrs Hooper's family.

Her husband, Wilf, was secretary of the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association, and their daughter, Jocelyn, swam for Wales at international level, competing in a number of Commonwealth Games.

A spokeswoman for Newport council said: "The council is mindful that the people who have grown up with the Maindee pool are disappointed with the proposed closure.

"The new facility will provide a 25-metre, eight-lane pool with movable floor, 20-lane training pool, changing-rooms, and spectator seating.

"There will also be a car park, and discussions are afoot with Newport Transport regarding the possibility of a bus route."