Frank Dobson MP has welcomed more than 5,000 free swims in Camden.

The popular scheme was introduced nationally by the Labour Government in April this year and has well exceeded expectations with 259 councils offering it for people over 60, and 190 for those 16 and under.

Camden has seen 4,701 free swims for over 60s and 1,079 swims for under 16s.

Frank said:

“It’s great that since the national launch of Free Swimming we have seen so many people using it, including more than 5,000 free swims in Camden.

“The London Olympics are now less and three years away, and we need to use the opportunity of hosting the Games to get more people active and interested in sport. Free swimming is a fantastic way to achieve this.”

The £140 million Government initiative was announced last June, – delivering on a Labour Government promise to help get two million people more active by the time London hosts the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012.