YORKSHIRE Water is to invest £15,000 in improving swimming standards of primary school children in the region.

More than 1,500 youngsters will benefit this year from the company's SwimCare programme.

The scheme is designed to improve children's swimming skills.

SwimCare has made a significant contribution to the safety of thousands of children since YW launched it three years ago.

Schools with particular swimming needs have been identified and a series of lessons will increase youngsters' ability in water.

Children in Kirklees will be among those who will benefit from the intensive tuition for those who have not attained the national swimming average.

The move followed an Ofsted report into school swimming standards. It said one in five pupils nationally was failing to meet the national curriculum's swimming target.