IT'S fun, healthy and a great way to catch up with your friends - especially if you are over 60.

And the Assembly wants to make swimming session for the over-60s free, something one Gwent group says is a fantastic idea.

The Assembly has pledged to help the elderly get fitter by dedicating £350,000 towards a Wales-wide scheme set to start in autumn.

The free swim follows the success of a similar scheme offered to schoolchildren during the 2003 summer holidays.

Welsh sports minister Alun Pugh said: "Wales is the only nation in the whole of Europe to introduce a national free swimming scheme.

"I am convinced that the health benefits of regular swimming justify the public investment involved."

Jean Joseph, 71, of Green Meadow, Cwmbran, was among a group of 16 swimmers using Cwmbran Stadium pool during its over 50s session.

She said: "I enjoy the exercise and the company. We feel like a club and it's very friendly. The scheme sounds good. The main thing is the motivation to push yourself to do it.

"I used to swim in galas as a schoolgirl, but I stick with breaststroke now." Ann Reynolds, 67, of New Inn, Pontypool, said: "I swim four times a week and if I miss a few days I notice it.

"It's wonderful exercise and uses every muscle, so it's a good sport to encourage with a scheme like this."

Reg Wiltshire, 84, of Ponthir, said: "My gym days are over but swimming is always there. I might be a bit slower but it doesn't matter.

"It's good sport for me at my age but it's also a social thing. You get to know everyone.

"People might swim more when it's free.

"But, he added a note of caution - the scheme might just be too popular. He said: "The pool can only hold so many before it feels too busy."

Stadium manager Julian Smith said: "It's less stressful on joints than other sports and the over 50s group make it a social event.

"Torfaen council has run free swims for the under 16s for about three years.

"That really boosted interest, so maybe an over 60s scheme will, and they might take up other sports too."