Pre-school swims at Cadbury House Hotel in Congresbury

A Congresbury health club has launched pre-school swimming classes to help parents struggling to find a place to teach their children to swim.

Cadbury House Hotel, Health Club and Spa is running three lessons per day to plug the gap and help ease the overwhelming demand for swimming tuition for youngsters.

Baby and toddler swimming school Puddle Ducks has been called in to hold the classes in the club's 20-metre luxury pool.

The classes, which run at 1.30pm, 2pm and 2.30pm, cater for eight children and last for 30 minutes.

The lack of availability of swimming classes in the area, combined with the large demand from parents, prompted the decision by Cadbury House bosses.

The club also felt it was necessary to provide fun exercise for children in the region, as the rate of child obesity continues to rise.

The classes will ensure children in the area get regular exercise and, most importantly, find the exercise fun.

Babies will enjoy a freedom of movement in the pool, while toddlers will gain confidence and learn water safety skills.

Manager of the club at Cadbury House, Jason Eaton, said: "This move seems to be a great relief for parents in the area, who have struggled to find swimming lessons for the younger age group.

"The classes will cater for children from six months up to the age of five, and will be a great activity for parents to experience with their children.

"The classes will also help the children become confident swimmers. Puddle Ducks instruct with no armbands, meaning most children are able to swim at least 10 metres unaided by the time they start school."