The pool is due to be finished in Spring 2007.

Sport England has approved the funding for the 50m pool in Sunderland, to be built near the Stadium of Light.

The pool will feature innovative designs, including a moveable floor so the depth can be adjusted.

Last month, it was announced plans for a 50m swimming pool in Newcastle had been scrapped.

Sunderland City Council leader Bob Symonds said: "I am delighted that Sunderland's 50m swimming pool has been given the go-ahead by Sport England.

"This is excellent news not only for the city but also for the entire region. With nothing comparable between Leeds and Edinburgh, there is an urgent need for a pool of this standard in the North East."

'Swimming champions'

The design includes the possibility of dividing the pool to create two 25m pools, timing equipment, a diving pool and the moveable floor so it can be adjusted from competitive swimming standard to use for children and aqua aerobics classes.

Sport England regional sports board chair Tim Cantle-Jones said: "We are very proud to support the 50m pool in the City of Sunderland which will be a major sporting venue for the North East.

"The Regional Sports Board was very impressed with the innovative approach taken to the scheme and look forward to it opening.

"The pool will provide the Sunderland community with a state of the art swimming pool and also hopefully inspire some swimming champions of the future."

Work on the pool is due to start next summer and is expected to be completed in spring 2007.