AN Olympic swimmer has joined forces with Bubble the Dolphin to encourage more children to learn to swim.

Chris Cook, who is representing Great Britain in the men's 200m breast stroke in Athens, is supporting the push to encourage Stockton children to learn to swim.

Mr Cook, 24, said it was an initiative similar to the Bubble the Dolphin Swim to Win promotion, which first tempted him into the water.

The scheme gives youngsters aged three to 16 a chance to win free family swim passes to any of the Active Life Centre at Stockton's Splash pool, Billingham Forum pool and Thornaby Pool.

Mr Cook said: "I started swimming in a similar scheme to Bubble the Dolphin Swim to Win, which ultimately introduced me to the world of sport.

"Being able to swim gave me confidence in my social life as I was able to show off my skills in the water and gain respect from my peers. I am living proof of the life changing benefits of being involved in local authority incentives - I'm an Olympian."

For free lessons, swimmers can pick up a swim visit card at one of the three borough of Stockton pools. Every time a swimmer pays for a swim they can ask the staff to stamp the card.

With ten stamps, the swimmer is entitled to a free swim and the chance to a free year's family swim pass.