A huge number of women have been donning their ladies fitness wear and heading to swimming pools across the country as part of a £140 million free swimming initiative, according to government statistics.

The recent statistical bulletin contains information on the number of free swims recorded by all 259 local authorities participating in the Free Swimming Programme from July 1st to September 30th.

Over ten million free swims were recorded, 5.86 million of these taking place between July and September, up from the 4.51 million occurring between April and June.

The Free Swimming Programme is a £140 million-programme designed to increase participation in swimming in England and generate subsequent health and economic benefits.

Free Swimming, along with a variety of other initiatives that encourage women to change into their ladies fitness wear and exercise, will contribute to the target set out in the London 2012 Olympic Legacy Action Plan to get two million more adults active by the London 2012 Olympics. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19430712-ADNFCR

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