FREE swimming in Stevenage has been hailed a success. In April, the Government launched a free swimming initiative for anyone aged 16 or under or 60 or over, making funding for it available to councils. Since then, Stevenage Borough Council has noted more

FREE swimming in Stevenage has been hailed a success.

In April, the Government launched a free swimming initiative for anyone aged 16 or under or 60 or over, making funding for it available to councils.

Since then, Stevenage Borough Council has noted more than 7,000 free swims - 5,253 in the younger age category, and 1,865 in the older.

The initiative aims to help get two million people more active by the time London hosts the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012.

Barbara Follett, MP for Stevenage, said: "It is really great to see so many people in Stevenage using it.

"It provides a fun and accessible means of keeping fit."

Free swimming is currently available at Stevenage Swimming Centre in St George's Way, to those within the qualifying age categories, and subject to capacity.

North Hertfordshire District Council has not signed up to the initiative.