LEISURE bosses are offering free swimming lessons to young people to help ‘teaching important life skill’.

Every Wednesday of the summer holidays, starting this week, sessions will run from 6.30pm at Hyndburn Leisure Centre and Mercer Hall.

All 11 to 18-year-olds are free to take part, although places are limited.

The classes come as Hyndburn Leisure bosses said half of children leave primary school unable to swim.

Council leisure boss Cllr Ken Moss said: “Hyndburn Leisure are delighted to offer this opportunity for young people to learn what is essentially a life saving sport.

“The pool at Hyndburn Leisure Centre recently underwent a huge refurbishment and is well worth a visit if you haven’t been for a while.”

For more call Hyndburn Leisure on 01254 385 945.