A FREE swimming scheme will end this week after the government pulled the plug.

Bexley Council allowed people aged 16 and under or 60 and over to swim in its pools for free.

It started last April and had been due to last two years.

More than 18,000 people have taken advantage of the scheme in Bexley since it began But last month the government announced it was scrapping the programme and it will now officially cease in the borough on July 31.

Cabinet Member for Leisure Arts and Tourism Councillor Peter Catterall said: “ I hope that the people who registered with the scheme will continue to swim and enjoy the benefits of being physically active."