From June, children under four will be allowed to go swimming for free, with their parents, at LA Fitness clubs and a new national pay structure will be introduced.

The gym chain was pulled up by the Observer, which claimed it was breaching the terms of its own contracts when it introduced a fee of £8 per month for children, in January. Many members who had joined because they could bring their children swimming for free were unimpressed at the new charge.

The Observer argued it was unfair for LA Fitness to change its terms and conditions for existing members part way through a contract and so LA Fitness has repealed the charge for those who have been swimming for free and all under fours.

Five- to 15-year-olds will have to pay £8 per month, or £3 per swim, unless they have previously been swimming for free.