A SCHEME to provide free swimming sessions for children and pensioners has been hailed as a success.

Since the initiative was launched on April 1 last year, more than 100,000 free swims have been snapped up by York residents taking the plunge.

Under the national initiative, those aged 16 and under and 60 years and over, are eligible to swim free of charge at Energise and Yearsley pools.

The over-60s have accounted for 46,000 of the free swimming sessions, with 16s and under using almost 59,000 swims over the last 12 months.

Andy Laslett, operations manager for City of York Council’s leisure centres, said: “Our figures show that thousands of people are taking advantage of the scheme, but we’d still like to encourage more people to apply. We know that many people who are entitled to free swimming haven’t yet applied and as free swimming is available until March 31, 2011 it’s worth getting a card.”