A new swimming lesson scheme is starting this month at Penrith and Appleby Leisure Centres, with enrolment for children of any age available now.

The 'Better Swimmers Sooner' scheme follows the Amateur Swimming Association's (ASA) National Learn to Swim Framework and has been running at centres in Northumberland and Copeland, also managed by the leisure charity North Country Leisure (NCL), for the past seven years.

The scheme has proved very popular with children and parents in these areas with over 4,500 children taking part each week.

Hundreds of children are already taking to the water in Eden and the new scheme includes many positives to help children progress sooner and make learning to swim more affordable. Lessons will now run for 46 weeks a year without a six week gap over the summer holidays so children can keep up their learning whilst also enjoying the additional benefit of free swimming at any general swim session outside of their lesson. Each child will also receive a free beActive Leisure Card as part of their lesson package which can be used for further discounts off activities at any NCL leisure centre.

Parents now have the option of paying a monthly Direct Debit to spread the costs, rather than paying for a term up front and the beActive PLUS reduced price for people in receipt of benefits or with a disability also applies to swimming lesson prices.

NCL Eden Contracts Manager Tim Bestford is looking forward to the change; he said "Having worked for NCL in Copeland before I came to Eden, I have seen first-hand how popular the Better Swimmers Sooner scheme is with children as they progress and learn a lifelong skill. Parents are reassured that that are getting the best teaching for their child with ASA qualified staff and clear stages for children to work through at their own pace."

NCL Eden area Board Chair Ian White said "Swimming is one of the healthiest sport and leisure activities and NCL is delighted to be involved in this initiative, to help young people develop in swimming to the best of their ability."