YOUNG people will be able to swim for free this summer as Wiltshire Council's pledge to fund free swimming during school holidays continues.

Children aged up to 16 can enjoy the free swimming sessions at their local Wiltshire Council and Places for People Leisure Ltd managed leisure centres.

The sessions run from July 23 and are very popular, so people are advised to arrive in plenty of time.

Anyone under 16 who would like to continue to swim for free during the school holidays will need to register for a new free swim membership card.

Maggie Rae, corporate director at Wiltshire Council, said: "It's important that all young people have the opportunity to enjoy popular and healthy activities during the school holidays.

"The numbers of people who take part in free swimming are fantastic, and show how much young people enjoy going swimming. It's a fun, healthy and sociable activity to do."

Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for leisure, said "Free swimming during school holidays has been so popular that at times it is over-subscribed.

"The implementation of a free swim membership card will ensure that all young people can access this opportunity."

Each leisure centre retains the right to request proof of age before granting entry. Please contact your local pool for further details.