Free swimming for children starts again next week at borough leisure centres and will run throughout the school summer holidays.

Youngsters aged 16 and under who live in Dudley borough can take advantage of the offer from Tuesday July 23 onwards at either Dudley, Halesowen or Crystal Leisure Centres during public swimming times.

Children or their parents can register youngsters to take advantage of the offer at freeswimindudley.co.uk. If children are already registered they do not need to be registered again as codes can be re-sent if requested from the website. Further information, including frequently asked questions, is available on the website. Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children and young people, said:

"As a council we are very keen to promote initiatives that encourage children in our borough to stay fit, active and healthy. It is safer to swim at your local leisure centre, supervised by lifeguards, rather than unsupervised in open water such as lakes, canals and reservoirs.

"We hope the free swimming offer will encourage families with younger children to come along to the leisure centres together for a cheap and fun day out. I would urge parents and children to get signed up if they aren’t already – and get swimming!"

Free swimming for children was extended to all Dudley Council school holidays after a successful trial last summer that saw more than 14,000 take advantage of the free offer. There were nearly 30,000 visits to Dudley Leisure Centre, Halesowen Leisure Centre and Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge over the six-week period.

Up to date pool times, including summer holiday activities taking place throughout the centres can be found at dudley.gov.uk/sport or by calling 01384 812800.  People are urged to check times before visiting.