With 60 per cent of residents in South Yorkshire now classed as overweight or obese, local leisure provider Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) is working with Barnsley Council to offer free swimming lessons for local residents who want to lose weight.

BPL is offering a six week programme of swimming lessons, completely free of charge, to anyone living in Barnsley over the age of 11 at five BPL venues - Dearneside Leisure Centre, Hoyland Leisure Centre, Metrodome Leisure Complex, Royston Leisure Centre and Wombwell Swimming Pool.

Eddie Lim, BPL's swimming development officer, said: "This initiative has been introduced to help local people to become fitter, healthier and lose weight. Swimming regularly is one of the best ways to lose those excess pounds, as well as being a valuable life skill. We are advising anyone who is interested in learning to swim to get in touch as soon as possible to sign up for these free swimming lessons."

When swimmers have completed their six week programme, they will have the opportunity to carry on with further swimming lessons at BPL venues a greatly reduced rate.

Cllr Roy Miller, Barnsley Council's cabinet spokesperson for Customer and Neighbourhood Services, said: "Being overweight can affect people's self confidence, so this is a great chance for people to start to feel better about themselves. Swimming is the best exercise there is. It's great for weight loss and for toning muscles all over your body, which in turn leads you to looking better and boosting your self-confidence. I'd encourage everyone who is eligible to give it a go."