FREE sports and leisure activities are on offer to youngsters in Pendle over the Easter period, thanks to a £20,000 Government funding.

Youngsters can enjoy free swimming, along with free courses in football, Athletics and golfing skills.

The activities are being run by Pendle Leisure Trust, an independent charitable organisation responsible for providing leisure and sports facilities in the borough.

A professional illustrator will also show young people some of the secrets of the art at Nelson Library every day until Thursday, March 28.

Multi-racial indoor cricket events are to be held at Nelson and Colne College Sports Hall.

John Kirk, the council's executive director for services, said: "We are delighted to have secured this funding for Easter activities for young people.

"This money is hopefully a mini-taster of further Government funding to come for similar activities during the forthcoming summer holidays.

"We hope to build on last year's free programme of summer events. We would encourage as many 11 to 18 year olds to get involved in one or more of these events. This is an ideal opportunity for youngsters to try a sport or activity that they haven't done before. Alternatively, it's a great way to improve skills you may already have in one of these sports."

The free events are:

Swimming for 11 to 18 years at, Pendle Leisure Centre in Colne, and West Craven Sports Centre in Barnoldswick, until Thursday, March 28, and Tuesday, April 2, to Friday, April 5, inclusive.

On Easter Saturday, March 30, between 6.30pm and 10.30pm there is a free disco swim.

Football skills courses until Thursday, March 28, and from Tuesday, April 2, to Friday, April 5, at Seedhill Athletics and Fitness Centre.

Athletics skills courses from today to Thursday, March 28, and Wednesday, April 3, to Friday, April 5, at Seedhill Athletics and Fitness Centre.

Golf Access Academy from Tuesday, April 2, to Friday, April, 5, and Monday April, 8, to Thursday, April, 11, free lessons to 11 to 18 year olds, individual coaching and supervised rounds at Marsden Park Golf Course.

The Multi-sports taster sessions at Pendle Leisure Centre and West Craven Sports Centre on Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday are all subject to availability.

For further information about any of these events, please contact Pendle Leisure Centre 01282 661166.