The men's only swimming sessions at Shadworth Leisure Centre, Blackburn started in January of this year with few participants.

But it has since proved to be a very popular session that has been run with specific requests from members of the community. It is held on Saturday evenings from 6.30pm and is supervised by a qualified lifeguard and an Amateur Swimming Association qualified teacher.

The session offers complete privacy and non-swimmers have seen a significant improvement in their swimming ability.

Ashraf Karolia, a regular attendee said, "I've been attending the sessions for the past two months and from being a complete non-swimmer I am now more confident and can swim 10 metres without any swimming aids.

"I have made great progress with help from swimming instructor Naveed. I never thought I'd be able to swim in eight weeks."

All participants are welcome to join the session and it doesn't matter if you have no swimming ability.

For further information you can call Shadsworth Leisure Centre on 01254 264561.