Young people can try out swimming for free as part of a project to get more youngsters active.

Chelmsford City Council has teamed up with Sport England to offer 100 young people in the city a chance to enjoy free swimming sessions at either Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre or South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre.

The scheme is part of Sport England’s ‘Sportivate’ project to encourage more young people to become active, and is funded by the National Lottery and administered by Active Essex.

The project will enable those aged 18-25 to enjoy free swimming for a six week period starting in February.

Chelmsford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Councillor Julia Jeapes, says: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people in the city to kick start the New Year with free swimming sessions at our two pools.

"Chelmsford already enjoys high levels of swimming participation and this is just one of the schemes Chelmsford City Council is running to keep our city active.”

To apply for the free swimming sessions participants must be residents of the City of Chelmsford and currently participate in sport less than four times a month and not currently a user of the Leisure Centres. Candidates will also have to commit to at least six swims during a six week period.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, January 31, and all applications will be considered on a first come first served basis.

For more information and to apply visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/sportivate