A KEEN swimmer has told how dementia-friendly swimming sessions have given her a lifeline.

Last October, 86-year-old Margaret Huggon, from Chester-le-Street, began attending the weekly sessions at her hometown leisure centre.

Mrs Huggon said she was delighted to be able to get back into the water, having enjoyed swimming since she was a child.

She said: “My husband’s job always meant we moved around the country a lot. But regardless of where we lived, I always made time to go down to my local pool.

“I look forward to coming along each week for a swim – it’s all-round exercise and is perfect because I feel weightless in the pool. I don’t feel like I’m exercising even though all my joints and muscles are active.

“Taking part in the weekly dementia friendly swimming sessions isn’t just about staying active though - there is a great social aspect too.

“There are a group of ladies who regularly spend time in the pool and I find them really welcoming and enjoy having a chat. I’m 86 now but I hope I’ll still be swimming well into my 90s.”

Hour-long dementia-friendly swimming sessions take place in Chester-le-Street at 11am every Wednesday – an alternative changing area is available if required. Sessions are open to people living with dementia and their carers.