Chorley Council has pledged to adopt a pilot scheme by the Government to provide free swimming for people aged over 60.

However, the council says it has to look at the "financial implications" before they decide whether children under 16 will be able to take part in the initiative.

Coun John Walker, Chorley Council's executive member for people, said: "We will be offering free swimming in our leisure centres for the over 60s from April next year.

"Creating healthier and happier communities is one of our priorities and we hope as many people as possible will take up this fantastic offer. Swimming is fun and a great way to keep active while meeting new friends."

Of the estimated 100,000 people in the borough, thousands of pensioners could benefit from the sessions which will run for two years until 2011.

Free sessions will be available at all council run pools – including All Season's Leisure Centre, in Water Street, and Brinscall Pool, in Brinscall.

The move is part of a government-led drive to get two million more people taking part in physical exercise by 2012.
Chorley Council will be given about £30,000 per year to fund the scheme but the leisure bosses warn that once grants run out there may not be enough money to keep the scheme going.

Chris White, Local Government Association spokesperson on sport, said: "Free swimming for elderly people is a positive move that brings real health benefits and increases the opportunity for elderly people to take part in local activities.

"Councils will work with the government to put in place a workable system for distributing the limited two-year funding in a way that will make a difference in participation in activity."

Chorley Council has expressed an interest in providing free swimming for under 16s pending an in-depth cost analysis, which is due later this year.

Coun Catherine Hoyle, shadow portfolio member for leisure, said: "I hope the council will also look seriously at adopting free swimming for under 16s."