Barnsley Premier Leisure has appointed Edward Lim as swimming development manager.

Lim's role will be to oversee the new free swimming initiative in conjunction with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The scheme offers all under 18s and over 60s free swimming at any Barnsley Premier Leisure swimming venue.

Dave Redfern, leisure operations manager of Barnsley Premier Leisure, said: "We are delighted to welcome Edward to BPL.

"He has entensive knowledge of the leisure and swimming business and is also really passionate about helping both younger and older people to get the most out of the free swimming that is now available to them.

"Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise and one of the most fun too and we have had a tremendous response from local people since this initiative was introduced just a few weeks ago."

Lim is a former competitive swimmer who has several swimming and fitness accolades to his name, including achieving his STA (Swimming Teachers Association) Level 2 in aquatics teaching for special needs. He is a fully qualified lifeguard, as well as a qualified fitness class instructor. In his spare time, he coaches the under 11's Tigersharks swimming squad in Kirklees.