ALMOST 2,000 children in Hartlepool have taken advantage of a free summer holiday swimming scheme in the first five days.

Under the scheme youngsters under 16 can swim for free on weekday mornings at the town's Mill House Leisure Centre.

During the first week 1,839 children took part, and last Tuesday 503 children used their free swims - the highest number in a single day since the summer holiday scheme began in 2013.

Hartlepool Council Leader Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher said: “Swimming is a great way to keep fit and if we can encourage all children to be active in their early years there is more chance of them staying fit and healthy as they grow older.”

The scheme operates on weekdays between 10am and 1.30pm until Friday, August 28.

As part of the scheme the Council is also providing free bus transport to and from Mill House Leisure Centre for under 16s with pick-up points from every school across the town.

Parents or carers can also travel free on the buses but have to pay to swim. Anyone under eight must be accompanied both on the bus and in the swimming pool by a parent or responsible adult over 16.

The free swims and the free bus transport are operated on a 'first come, first served' basis.