A HEREFORDSHIRE based leisure company has launched a junior swim scheme in a bid to increase exercise among primary school children.

The 12 week pilot by Halo Leisure, in partnership with Herefordshire Primary Care Trust, is also aimed at children who normally cannot afford lessons.

Around 100 Year Two children from five county primary schools have been selected to attend a course of swimming lessons free of charge, helping them achieve 30 minutes of exercise each week for three months, as well as learning a new skill.

The children taking part have also been given a free three month Halo Bkids membership, allowing them to access other Halo activities such as badminton court hire free of charge.

To encourage family participation, free swim vouchers have also been provided for families on an attendance/reward basis.

Dr Frances Howie, Acting Director of Public Health at Herefordshire Primary Care Trust, said: “Swimming often isn’t attractive to those who are unable to swim or whose families may not have the resources to pay for their children to attend.

“The pilot is designed to address these issues and provide children with the opportunity to participate and learn a valuable new skill.”