Free swimming means more children now visit Wigan's pools

Children under 16 already swim for free at pools in Wigan, Greater Manchester, and now its Lifestyle scheme is being extended to those over 60.

It is estimated that 100,000 of Wigan's residents can now swim without paying.

Stewart Kellett, regional director at Sport England North West said the scheme was "a bold and visionary move".

When it was first introduced for children last year, many of the borough's pools recorded an increase of up to 90% in the number of swimmers under 16.

Stars' support

It is hoped that the free swimming will encourage older people to take up other sporting activities like golf and badminton, which will be discounted.

Rodney Hill, chief executive of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, said: "Keeping physically active as we grow older can help us to stay healthy into later years.

"Alongside the enjoyment of taking part, an active lifestyle can play an important part in preventing and tackling health problems such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes."