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

Youngsters aged 16 and under who live in Dudley borough can take advantage of the offer from Saturday 21 December to Sunday 5 January at either Dudley, Halesowen or Crystal Leisure Centres during public swimming times and subject to Christmas opening times. The centres will be closed from 24 to 26 December and 1 January.

Children or their parents can register youngsters to take advantage of the offer at www.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. Our free swimming programme is always really popular and is a fun way to stay active and help families enjoy time together. It can also help to burn off some of those festive treats!

"It’s definitely worth signing up to make the most of this offer."

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 summer holiday, and the council continues to roll out the programme each school holiday.

Dudley leisure centre will be closed from 24 to 26 December and 1 January. The centre will close at 2pm on 21, 22 and 23 December and 27 to 31 December.

Crystal leisure centre will be closed 24 to 26 December and 1 January. The centre will close at 6pm 27 to 31 December.

Halesowen leisure centre will be closed from 24 to 26 December and 1 January. The centre will close at 5pm on 31 December.

Up to date pool times, can be found at dudley.gov.uk/sport or by calling 01384 812800. People are urged to check times before visiting.