FREE lessons for first-time swimmers are being offered by the district council this summer.

The sessions, at Loughton Leisure Centre, are available for both teenagers and adults, the latter with an instructor specially trained in helping nervous beginners.

Six one-hour or 12 half-hour lessons are on offer for adults on Mondays at 9am and Wednesdays at 8.30am and 9.30am.

Twelve half-hour lessons, starting from June 15, are available for teenagers on Tuesdays at 8pm.

Call the Leisure Centre, in Traps Hill, on 01992 564573 or email maureenbennett@slm-ltd.co.uk for more information and to book a place.