WILTSHIRE Council is giving all children under 16 free swimming over the festive season.

Young people can make the most of the swimming sessions at every council-run pool in the county over the Christmas school holidays.

The initiative is part of the council’s commitment to encouraging and supporting as many people as possible to participate in physical activity.

Free swimming for under-16s is available during all school holidays. Last Christmas more than 2,600 children went along to swimming pools, and in the summer there were more than 52,000 free swimming sessions recorded.

Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for leisure, said: “The festive season is well-known as a time for some over-indulgence, and it’s normal for children as much as anyone else to overdo things.

“The free swimming is a great way of staying in shape while still enjoying a few chocolates and roast turkey over Christmas.