FREE swimming sessions are set to be extended for Burnley and Padiham youngsters aged under 16, it has been announced.

Under a Whitehall scheme, Burnley council had previously signed up to a programme allowing residents aged over 60 to use the borough’s pools without payment from next spring, following a £25,178 handout.

But after discussions with Government officials the East Lancashire authority has now discovered it is set to receive an extra grant of £47,475 to cover youngsters’ swimming.

Coun Charles Bullas, leisure executive member, said: “This is marvellous news for children and young people and their parents.

“Everyone knows how much that children enjoy swimming and it is a perfect form of exercise for all.”

Council chiefs hope that the move will help Burnley to contribute towards the NHS East Lancashire campaign to save a million years of life, by introducing youngsters to a healthy pastime from an early age.

Coun Peter Doyle, welcomed the plans, at a meeting of Burnley full council, but questioned how this would affect people who currently paid for council leisure passes.

“What does concern me is that you could go down to the St Peter’s Centre and you have one half of the pool filled with over 60s and the other half filled with under 16s,” said Coun Doyle.

“Can we be assurred that the people who pay for our services will be able to get into the pool?”

Coun Bullas said managers at St Peter’s and Spirit of Sport would be monitoring the situation closely when it is introduced.