Barry Leisure Centre is set to turn into a tropical paradise this half-term thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Free Swimming Initiative.

Caribbean–themed pool inflatables complete with palm trees will be used to facilitate fun and free sessions for children during half-term week, helping parents to keep winter blues and boredom at bay.

Over £6,000 in grant funding from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Free Swimming Improvement Fund has been used to purchase inflatables for Penarth and Barry Leisure Centres.

Used for the first time during the summer holiday period, the centres are said to have seen healthy increases in the number of children using the equipment, particularly those within the 10-15 year age group.

Jamie Morgans, Leisure Services Manager for Vale of Glamorgan County Council, said:

"The new inflatables we’ve purchased have been really well received by children in the area – particularly those in the 10 to 15 year age group. We believe that swimming should be as varied as possible, and this is just another way to bring the fun aspect back into swimming.

"It’s been great to see many young people taking advantage of the new equipment, and the other great activities on offer as part of the Free Swimming Initiative, and we look forward to welcoming children to our centres again this October half-term."

Alun Ffred Jones AM, Minister for Heritage said:

"The Free Swimming Improvement Fund complements the Free Swimming Initiative by supporting small-scale and large-scale projects aimed at encouraging existing and new users to be more active, more often.

"We fully recognise the huge contribution that local authority leisure services make to sport and physical activity in Wales and this additional funding goes a little way in helping to encourage more regular use of the facilities."

For more information about Free Swimming contact your local leisure centre of visit www.free-swimming-wales.org.uk