Schoolchildren aged up to 16 from Cumberland will be able to go for a swim in a choice of five indoor pools for only 10p over the summer holidays.

Cumberland Council, with the support of GLL and Wigton Baths Trust, has implemented this discounted scheme starting from today, July 22.

It offers discounted swimming opportunities throughout the week, including weekends at some venues.

The discounted swims will be available at Cockermouth Leisure Centre from 1pm - 1.50pm from Monday to Friday.

At Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre in Whitehaven, the scheme is available from 1pm - 1.50pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 1pm - 1.50pm on Saturday and from 10am - 10.50am on Sunday.

The Sands Centre in Carlisle is offering the opportunity from 10am - 10.50am Monday to Friday.

Children can also swim at Wigton Baths following at various times throughout the week, and at Workington Leisure Centre from 10am - 10.50am Monday to Friday.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: "We have put health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, and we want to encourage the young people of Cumberland to get active.

"The 10p swims will be available in five locations, at different times throughout the week.

"It is a great opportunity for children to use our facilities at a discounted rate and will also support families.

"The discounted swims are in addition to our free Holiday Activity and Food Programme which also offers a range of activities over the summer holidays."

Tom Rice, partnership manager at GLL Cumberland, added: "As Cumberland Council’s leisure partner, we are delighted to see the 10p swim initiative not only continue but also extended across the whole of the new area.

"Swimming is not only one of the healthiest activities that children can participate in but building and improving on swimming capability and confidence is a valuable life skill.

"We look forward to welcoming local children into our pools over the summer and are hoping for a huge response to this excellent initiative."

The initiative is funded by the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Holiday Activities and Food programme provides children who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals up to 16 fully funded days, but paid places may also be available with some providers.