EVERYONE will be able to swim for free at Leisure East Devon pools from next year.

EVERYONE will be able to swim for free at Leisure East Devon pools from next year.

Starting from Sunday, January 10, and continuing on the second Sunday of each month throughout the winter and into the spring, swimming at LED's pools in Honiton, Sidmouth and Exmouth will be completely free to people of all ages up until 2pm.

And for those who get inspired by their dip in the pool and want to make it a more regular activity, joining fees will be waived on all LED swim memberships taken out on those days.

The new programme replaces Swim4Free 2009's initiative, which saw various Sundays throughout the year set aside to offer free swimming to particular groups such as mums, dads, children and seniors.

"We believe that the best way to encourage people to participate in healthy activity is to make sure everyone has the opportunity to try different things and learn how much they can get out of it," said David Pagett, LED's chief executive.

"Swimming is fantastic exercise for people of all ages as the water bears your load and it's gentler on the joints than other activities, but if done regularly will help tone muscles, burn fat and improve the heart rate. We all know children love splashing around in the pool and now the whole family from babies to grandparents can come along for free each month. LED is committed to encouraging as many people as possible to enjoy and participate in exercise, and we're looking forward to seeing lots of faces, new and old, at the pools."

The leisure centres taking part in Swim4Free are: Honiton Swimming and Leisure Centre, Exmouth Swimming and Leisure centre and Sidmouth Swimming pool.