SWIMMING lessons have resumed at Hambleton council-run leisure centres with Covid-19 safety measures in place.

The measures include teaching from the poolside only, limiting the number of spectators, wearing of face masks in circulation and spectator areas and asking swimmers to arrive with swimwear on underneath their clothes and showering at home after lessons.

The centres in Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk and Sowerby have also enhanced their cleaning, installed hygiene screens, hand sanitising stations and have clearly marked directional routes.

Cllr Bridget Fortune, portfolio holder for leisure, said: “Following Swim England guidance, we have implemented a phased return to lessons, starting with the higher ability swimmers.

“Our staff are working very hard to keep everyone happy and everything clean and to ensure the centres remain Covid-19 secure.

"We have had some fantastic feedback and hope to increase the stages available as soon as it is possible.”