FREE swimming sessions for teenagers and pensioners has led to a 108 per cent rise in the numbers using a Shoebury pool, the borough council says.

Free swimming was offered in April under a Government scheme to encourage healthier lifestyles for the under-17s and over-sixties.

The council says 108 per cent more swimmers used Shoebury Leisure Centre between April and September, compared to the same period in 2008. Belfairs Swim Centre in Leigh recorded a 40 per cent increase over the same periods.

Numbers at Warriors Swim Centre in Southend town centre were only 3 per cent up, mainly because the pool is largely used by adults and family swimmers.

Mary Oldman, 79, of Gunfleet, Shoebury, said: “It’s a great scheme. I do love swimming and the fact I can do it for free has made it better.

“All my friends know about it and we all go together and then have a coffee after.

“It’s a really social thing to do and it keeps us all fit. It is a real boon.”

Of the 96,145 swimmers who have so far used the council’s pools this year, 46,122 were under 17 and 13,244 over 60.

The free swimming is funded by the Government and councillors are being recommended on Tuesday to continue free sessions for the two age groups for a further year – despite fears subsidies may be axed after next year.

Council deputy leader John Lamb said: “An important aspect of this initiative is more people are swimming.

“When the new swimming pool at Garon Park opens in spring, 2011, it will have more family-friendly facilities and changing facilities, which we don’t have at the other pools.”

basildon.gov.uk" target="_blank">Basildon Council chose not to join the scheme, but Castle Point has signed up until March 2011.

Exact figures for Castle Point have not been released, but Peter Burch, councillor responsible for leisure and open spaces, said: “We are very pleased with the increase in the number of people swimming since the free swimming initiative was introduced.

“It has proved very successful.”