But the report by one of the largest trade unions, the GMB, shows that Newport has the cheapest swimming prices for the whole of England and Wales.

Cost of a swim

Wrexham - �2.75 Conwy - �2.45 Bridgend - �2.25 Neath Port Talbot - �2.20 Newport - �2.10

The research was undertaken by the union to see the variation in swimming charges across the country.

They are now calling on local councillors to do more to reduce the cost of swimming which, in some parts of the England, are almost �4 a session.

In Wales, the survey showed that the average charge for an adult during a weekday swimming session in Wrexham came to �2.75.

Pools in Conwy charged �2.45, followed by Bridgend at �2.25 and Neath Port Talbot at �2.20.

This compared to a �2.10 charge for swimmers in Newport.

Swimming pools and leisure centres with pools were universally run by local authorities until the 1980s.

We have now got to the stage where in some areas the cost almost equates to the hourly rate for the National Minimum Wage of �4.20 an hour Paul Kenny, GMB

But since then, widespread privatisation and the use of outside contractors has been the norm.

Paul Kenny, spokesman for the GMB said: "The involvement of the private sector in the running of municipal swimming pools either by outright privatisation or by the use of contractors has led to prices edging upwards as the private sector needs to make a profit.

"The cost of a swim varies widely across the country.

"We have now got to the stage where in some areas the cost almost equates to the hourly rate for the National Minimum Wage of �4.20 an hour.

"This is too high and Councillors should work to get the prices down.

"Councillors should do this since we are all being encouraged to take more exercise as part of a healthier lifestyle," he added.