FIVE APPRENTICES will get a month's free travel around Swindon.

The generous offer comes courtesy of bus company Thamesdown, which is sponsoring the youngsters through the Generations Gains programme.

The two-year scheme is aimed at reducing isolation for older people through sports activities, including aerobics and bowls. The young apprentices will work on the scheme.

Alex Chutter, general manager at Thamesdown, said: "These young professionals hold great potential in an industry that is very important, not only to us as a bus operator, but also to the future wellbeing of local Swindon residents.

"Their commitment and drive make them tremendous prospects for the future, so it seems right to offer them extra support. We’ll be following their progress very closely.”

The five apprentices on the scheme, which is funded by the Zurich Community Trust and hosted at Better sports facilities, will receive qualifications in health, leisure operations and sports coaching.

Project manager for the Generation Gains Programme, John Popowicz, said: "In line with our own social enterprise ethos, the apprentices will be working in the community, for the community - travelling to different locations throughout Swindon over the next two years.

"Thamesdown Transport bus routes reach all of Swindon and provide a safe way for the apprentices to travel and we are very grateful to Thamesdown Transport for supporting the apprentices and the Generations Gains project.”

Thamesdown said that the month's free travel would give the apprentices a head start. The company would offer the apprentices discounted travel in the future to help them continue with their training, a spokeswoman said.

For more about Generation Gains Programme, visit: www.better.org.uk/generation-gains.