A SUMMER activity programme which provides water safety classes and free lunches for children, at Abbey Stadium, has been deemed ‘absolutely fantastic by a Redditch mum.

The Holiday Activity Food Worcestershire (HAF) programme sees youngsters who would, in term time, receive free school meals, invited to attend an active two-week programme which includes a freshly prepared lunch.

The programme, which began August 2 and runs until August 13 includes an hour class of ‘Confidence to Swim’ and also ‘Born to Move’.

Marie King, whose two children Ethan and Kayla have taken part in the programme, has watched their confidence grow.

She said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. My daughter who has never been in a pool before has grown in confidence and is absolutely blooming.

"And, while this is a small thing, my son no longer wears goggles in the pool and is confident splashing around which for me is massive as he has always been very nervous around water before.”

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Through HAF the children can also take part in a weekly water safety class which includes time on the pool inflatables.

Council leader Matt Dormer said: “It is important we that unlock leisure opportunities for all of our residents to enjoy and through this project we are able to do just that.”

Operations manager at the Abbey Stadium, Scott Brinkworth said: “After being closed for so long it is great to see the centre buzzing and, as well as youngsters, our regular members are still enjoying our fitness programme and classes.”