FREE swimming for the over 60s will continue until early next year, despite Government plans to scrap it from next month.

Hillingdon Council has made the decision to fund the venture itself, after the decision was made to end the privilege around the country from July 31.

Jean Palmer, director of planning, environment and community services, said: "The council have decided to continue to support residents over 60 with free swimming sessions, at least until March 2011, even though funding has been withdrawn by central Government.

"We hope that more Hillingdon residents will take this opportunity to try swimming on one of the borough's pools, including the brand new Hillingdon Sport and Leisure Complex and Botwell Green Sport and Leisure Centre."

Around the country free swimming for under 16s was also axed, although Hillingdon Council decided not to offer this in the first place, after a dispute over the funding of the initiative.