SWIMMERS under the age of 16 and over 60 can register for free sessions at any of Sandwell’s leisure centres.

Youngsters can swim without charge at any public swimming session the school holidays, while older residents can attend for free up to 1pm all year round.

The programme is an initiative Sandwell Council have signed up to for many years and have now extended the scheme until March 2018.

Councillor Richard Marshall, cabinet member for leisure said: “I am delighted we provide free swimming in Sandwell for young and older residents. We have some fantastic swimming facilities in Sandwell to enjoy.

“We are committed to helping people stay active by offering free swimming to enable younger and older people to enjoy swimming.”

Residents who want to enjoy the free sessions at Oldbury and Haden Hill swimming centres can register online with Sandwell Leisure Trust at www.sandwell.gov.uk/leisure, or with Places for People Leisure at reception in West Bromwich Leisure Centre.

Ash Rai, chief executive for Sandwell Leisure Trust, said: “We are delighted to support Sandwell Council’s free swimming initiative to help more people enjoy safer swimming at our excellent pool facilities throughout the borough.”