KEEP on swimming! That was the message from health and leisure officials today after three Deighton boys were affected by chlorine at Huddersfield Sports Centre.

They insisted swimming pools in Kirklees are totally safe.

Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), which runs the council's sports centres and swimming pools and director of public health Dr Sohail Bhatti, expr- essed concern that comments in the Examiner from the boys' families will put people off swimming.

They were treated in the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary casualty department for three hours after an ambulance was called.

Their eyes were washed out and they were given Piriton tablets.

A spokesman for KAL said: "Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise, particularly for young children.

"With campaigns running to reduce childhood obesity and increase activity levels, it is vitally important that nobody is put off from swimming as a result of this story."

Dr Bhatti said: "Chlorine has been used in British swimming pools for over 100 years and any effects that may occur are extremely mild.

"It is very unfortunate that three boys out of 400 users of the pool that day experienced a reaction. This should not put people off swimming at Huddersfield Sports Centre.

"Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for everyone."

Brothers Daniel and Jonathan Koulouris and friend Christopher Morrell all ended up in hospital after a Fun Swim at the Sports Centre.

And another mother, Debra Trowell, said: "After reading the article it rang a bell. My two sons have been swimming at the Sports Centre a couple of times in the past couple of months. Both have complained of itchy red tummies, the youngest especially.

"I just thought it was the way they were getting out by climbing out rather than using the steps. Both of my sons use goggles - so no problems with their eyes - but obviously there could be a problem that needs sorting."

Mark Dunstan, regional manager for Kirklees Active Leisure, said: "The Examiner ran an article about three young boys who came for a fun swim at Huddersfield Sports Centre.

"After more than two hours in the water, they went home without taking a shower. Later, they went to hospital with a skin complaint.

"According to the report, they were treated with an antihistamine Piriton, which is prescribed for allergic reactions, as opposed to a chemical burn or reaction to chemicals.

"The fact that we received no complaints from any of the other 400 people who used the pool on that day is confirmation that our pool chlorine levels were perfectly safe."

Chlorine is put into most swimming pools in Britain to kill microbiological contamination in the water. Levels in KAL pools are claimed to be well within the recommended guidelines.

Kirklees Environmental Services gave all the pools a clean bill of health at its May monthly inspection.

This supplements tests the sports centre carries out four times daily.

Expert advice for UK swimming pool operators suggests pools should be checked for chlorine every two hours or more frequently and at least five to six times a day at busy public pools.