SWIMMERS across in east Durham will be making a Big Splash after two leisure centres became part of the nation’s swimming campaign.

Peterlee Leisure Centre and Seaham Leisure Centre have joined forces with British Swimming and the BBC to deliver Big Splash, a campaign to inspire the whole nation to get in the pool and enjoy the benefits that swimming can bring.

Over the next 10 months the two centres will be offering a number of Big Splash activities for the whole family to enjoy, from swimming lessons to water confidence lessons, style sessions and lots of fun pool based activities.

Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington is supporting the campaign, said: "Swimming is a massive part of my life but just getting in the pool a couple of times a week is a really great way of getting active and staying healthy. "I’m right behind anything that encourages people to take the plunge and swim more often."

Contract manager Malcolm Grinstead for Leisure Connection, in County Durham, said: "We’re very excited to be involved in this fantastic initiative.

"Not only will it help bring the community together, but also encourage all ages, whatever your ability, to enjoy swimming and all the healthy benefits it brings."

Pool users will also be able to benefit from a wide range of web-based support on www.bigsplash.co.uk.

For further information on how to take part in the Big Splash campaign please contact Peterlee Leisure Centre on 0191-586 2400 and Seaham Leisure Centre on 0191-581 6366.