Campaigners for a new swimming pool on the Barton estate, Oxford, have enlisted an unexpected supporter - former US president Bill Clinton.

Mr Clinton accepted a leaflet and badge for the 'Sink or Swim' campaign, when he visited Oxford on Friday to open a new American studies institute.

Barton community worker Eillen McGoldrick approached him as he walked along South Parks Road.

She said: "I asked him if he would like to do something for the local community.

"I handed him a leaflet about the Sink or Swim project, then as he was walking off, I asked if he would like a badge.

"He turned around and took that off me too."

Mrs McGoldrick, of Wheatley, added: "I thought it would be good to let him know of the concerns of local Oxford people after all the glamour of the University."

The £3.5m project to build a swimming pool, fitness centre and dance studio at Bayswater Middle School in Barton received a promise of £1m funding from Oxford City Council earlier this year.

The pool has attracted enthusiastic support from people in the area.

A bid for £1m of National Lottery money to help fund the project is currently being put together.