LEISURE centre bosses have said the amount of people doing swimming lessons have risen by 38 per cent since the London 2012 Olympics.

Better Leisure, who run six venues in Barnet, released the figures in the run-up to the start of the Rio games, which begin on August 5.

This comes despite 26 per cent of parents saying they do not believe children do enough exercise.

During the summer holidays, the company are holding a number of sports classes for children to take advantage off.

Sports included in the scheme include swimming, tennis, athletics and gymnastics.

Phil Lane, head of sports and participation for the company, said: “As a nation, we’ve got to acknowledge we have a problem with low levels of physical activity – but part of the solution lies on our doorsteps.

“At Better Leisure Centres, we’re banishing boredom with affordable and fun options for parents and kids that can help them stay entertained, fit and healthy over the summer holidays.”

Parents can register their interest on the website at www.better.org.uk/summer.