The County Council has just agreed to take up the Government offer of funding to provide free swimming for everyone who is 60 or older or 16 or younger.

In fact, as the districts all currently have concessions for ages up to 18, the County will fund free access for everyone up to 18.

The scheme will start in April next year and last for two years. The Government contribution will not meet all the lost income, but the County Durham Primary Care Trust has agreed to fill the gap in the hope that this will help tackle fitness and obesity levels.

What happens after the two years is up is anyone’s guess, but no-one has high expectations that the government funding will continue into the long term.

The annual Durham Christmas Festival is being held this year over the wekend Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December; as usual this includes a Craft and Gift Marquee on Palace Green.

A special preview evening aimed at those with mobility difficulties is being held on Friday 30 November, 5 pm - 8 pm, with a free accessible bus service running between the coach park and Palace Green stopping off at the Market Square. There will also be limited free parking on Palace Green for blue badge holders.

Further information about the preview evening can be had by contacting Jo on 0191 384 6153 or Colin Wilkes at colin@durhammarkets.co.uk