Welsh heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones has announced that all local authorities now have to offer free swimming sessions for young people under the age of 16 years old at weekends.

Other free activities will also be made available at leisure centres across Wales at weekends - in addition to summer holidays - after the Welsh Assembly Government reached agreement with councils. Some local authorities have already started offering the new sessions, which aim to increase participation and is designed to meet Assembly Government targets to help every child learn to swim by the age of 11.

Jones said: "As well as ensuring every child in Wales has the opportunity to learn this important skill, making these sessions available at weekends will make it easier for young people to get all the exercise they need. "Children and young people will also have the opportunity to take part in other free activities at their leisure centre. I really hope this encourages them to try new sports and activities which they will carry on into adult life."

Sport Wales chair Professor Laura McAllister added: "By making Free Swim more accessible, we are one step closer to encouraging more children across Wales to get hooked on sport for life." All of the new free sessions are due to be underway by September.