Free summer holiday swimming lessons offer

Durham County Council has put together a range of summer pool activities for children and young people under the age of 18 and living in the county.

The sessions, whose locations include Peterlee Leisure Centre, range from having fun with inflatables to general swimming and start from Monday July 19.

To provide extra support for families, some of the raft and inflatable sessions will include healthy food at the end of the session as part of the council’s Fun and Food campaign.

Information on which sessions will include healthy food, and further details about all other swimming sessions, can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/freeswimming .

Cllr James Rowlandson, the county council’s cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer these free swim sessions as something fun for children and young people to do over the summer holidays.

“Being active and exercising is very important, so these sessions are a great way for children to stay healthy in a fun and engaging way. It is also a great opportunity for families to have a trip out and spend some quality time together.”

Residents are being encouraged to sign up for a free Thrive card in advance, which will allow children access to sessions throughout the summer.

The cards are available at www.durham.gov.uk/thrivecard

Children who already have a Thrive card do not need to apply for a new one.