THOUSANDS more children from cash-strapped families will be able to learn to swim for free under an extended council scheme launched today.

All primary school pupils under the age of 12 in Southampton will be able to benefit from next month.

It gives them the opportunity to use city council pools for free at specific times.

Southampton City Council wants to get children more active by giving them more opportunities to take part in sports.

The initiative honours a budget pledge made by Labour to roll out an existing scheme for under-sevens to all children of primary school age.

It will cost the council an additional £60,000.

Julia Passingham, from the Hampshire Amateur Swimming Association, said: "It's fantastic news. It's what we've all been hoping for." she said.

She added: "Swimming is a life skill it's not just a sport."

Almost 5,000 children are already signed up to the existing under-sevens scheme which was first launched in August 2006.

To take advantage of the offer children need to pick up an application then get their school to stamp it.

The form can be handed into one of the leisure centres.

Application forms are also being sent to all city primary schools this week.