COUNCILLORS have agreed to extended free swimming lessons to all Primary 1 pupils in the Cowdenbeath Area for a period of one year. Engagement with parents and pupils will start this month and the 50 free lessons per pupil will begin at the start of the academic year in August 2017.

Cowdenbeath Area Committee took the decision on Wednesday after hearing how successful the pilot session had been in the schools of the Lochgelly and Cardenden ward.

The schools that will be included from the new school session are: Benarty PS, Cowdenbeath PS, Crossgates PS, Denend PS, Foulford PS, Hill of Beath PS, Kelty PS, Lochgelly South PS, Lochgelly West PS, Lumphinnans PS, St Bride's R C PS, St Joseph's R C PS, St Kenneth's R C PS, St Ninian's R C PS

and St Patrick's R C PS.

Councillor Alistair Bain, Cowdenbeath, said that looking at the results of the pilot one or two schools had experienced a low uptake of the offer.

Lochgelly and Cardenden member, Linda Erskine went on: "I have had a concern that some parents might be unable to afford swim gear for their children and could have had an impact on the numbers attending.

"The statistics show that we have some real poverty issues in our area and that can play its part. in this."

Lochs member Alex Campbell added: "There is no doubt that 50 free lessons is an excellent way to give children the opportunity to attain skills that are for life".

Committee chairman, Councillor Mark Hood said: "The positivity shown by the education department on this is to be welcomed and I look forward to it being rolled out to the whole Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area."