People living in and around Dereham are being offered free swimming lessons thanks to a government scheme. However, there is a catch. The offer, by Parkwood Leisure, which runs Dereham Leisure Centre, is only open to people who cannot swim.

People living in and around Dereham are being offered free swimming lessons thanks to a government scheme.

However, there is a catch. The offer, by Parkwood Leisure, which runs Dereham Leisure Centre, is only open to people who cannot swim.

The offer has been launched thanks to Parkwood working with the Amateur Swimming Association and Breckland Council to get one of the government's free swimming scheme grants.

It follows a pilot scheme at the centre which saw 12 free swimming lesson places were filled within three days of them being advertised.

The lessons are one hour in length and will run every Friday from 7pm to 8pm starting on March 19 for a 10-week period.

There are a limited number of spaces remaining. Contact Julie Pike at the Dereham Leisure Centre on 01362 693419 for more information.

It is hoped that additional funding will support future adult swimming lessons so if you don't get a place your name will be put on a waiting list.