SWIMMERS in Worcestershire can enjoy free swimming sessions as part of a two-year government initiative which starts today.

More than 1,000 swimming pools run by almost 300 local councils nationwide will offer free swimming for people aged 60 and over and under 16 to help get two million people more active by the time London hosts the Olympics in 2012.

More than £31 million will be shared by local councils in the first year to help meet the cost of providing free access to pools during standard swimming sessions.

In Worcester, under-16s and people over 60 can sign up to the scheme at Worcester Swimming Pool, Sansome Walk.

Over-60s can swim for free at the Pershore, Evesham and Droitwich Leisure Centres, but not the Droitwich Lido.

The initiative also offers free swimming for over-60s at Malvern Splash, Tenbury Swimming Pool, Glades Leisure Centre in Kidderminster and Stourport Sports Centre.

The scheme is due to run for two years and will finish on March 31, 2011.

Councillor Francis Lankester, Worcester City Council’s cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: “The introduction of this initiative is certainly encouraging.

“The two age groups that it encompasses will benefit from the opportunity it provides and hopefully encourage more and more residents to take part in some form of exercise.”

Alan Johnson, secretary of state for health, said: “Swimming is fun and it is very good for you – it is one of the best exercises for the whole body. I urge new swimmers and those who have not swum for a while to head down to their local pool and swim for free.

“Whether you are 16 or 60, if you eat well and move more, you can live longer, healthier and happier lives.”

The free swimming sessions will be available at Worcester Swimming Pool during normal public swimming sessions. Registration can be completed at reception.

For further information and timetables, contact Worcester Swimming Pool on 01905 20241.

For free swimming in Malvern and Tenbury, over-60s must have a valid Everyone Active card. Swimmers in Pershore, Evesham, Droitwich, Stourport and Kidderminster can register at the centres’ receptions.