Wellington Sports Centre is holding two open days to increase public awareness of free swimming in Taunton Deane.

On Tuesday, March 23 there will be an open session for the over 50s from 11.30am to 1.30pm with badminton also available and tea and coffee included.

On Saturday, March 27 there is a family open afternoon running from 2pm to 4pm with other activities available such as table tennis, squash, soft play and Z3 junior gym.

The free swimming initiative, aimed at the under 16s and over 60s, is a Government-funded scheme under which people who register on the scheme can swim for free during designated public sessions.

Registration costs £1 and the scheme will be running throughout the year during both term time and school holidays.

Keri Parr, centre manager at Wellington for Tone Leisure said: “This is a brilliant scheme to encourage both young and old to become more active at no cost to them.

“The scheme was launched last year and runs for two years, as far as we know, so this is a great time to pop down to your local pool and register.

“By holding these open days we want to make families aware of what is available for their children at no cost.

“And if the children get involved in swimming, it may give the parents half an hour to work out in the gym!”

For more information contact the centre on 01823-663010.

Wellington and Taunton Pools also offer free swimming lessons to non and weak swimmers. Contact your local pool for more information.