A NEW project which offers people aged 50 years and over the chance to build their confidence in the water, got off to a swimming start with its first session at Parklands in Okehampton last week.

Swimmers enjoyed expert guidance, along with a cup of coffee and chance to chat in the cafe, after their swim.

The aim of the project being rolled out in Devon is for more mature people to enjoy participating in swimming sessions as part of a swimming group.

It is part of the National Lottery-funded programme, Fit as a Fiddle, which promotes exercise with the emphasis on making a difference to older people's health and well-being.

Get up, get out and get active is the message to people aged 50 plus to encourage them to exercise, socialise and have a healthy life.

The project uses swimming pools to form swimming groups and with the help of qualified instructors, set up a varied programme of activities such as learning to swim, aqua aerobics, swim fitness sessions are delivered.

The cost of each session is £1, which includes tea or coffee afterwards.

For more information phone co-ordinator for Age Concern Trish Warren on 0845 2967810 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]