OLDHAM Leisure Centre opened its doors to the public and youngsters were back in the pool taking their weekly swimming lessons.

Sky News presenter Tom Parmenter interviewed some of the leisure centre's customers as well as reports on normality as restrictions are slowly eased.

Toul Akinwale from Oldham was interviewed and takes her children to the leisure centre for swimming lessons.

Toul said: "I am thankful that there is a vaccine and that it's OK to come out and it's OK to move around people.

"When I see people I always don't know how to relate to them anymore, because I'm not sure whether to shake or to elbow, I don't know what to do but I can't wait to start hugging people again."

Customers were forced to freeze their membership and weren't able to swim because of covid, but now things are up and running, people can book a slot and have a dip.

Indoor classes will resume on May 17.

In the report Tom also interviews Public Health professor Linda Bauld on her take of leisure centres opening.

Prof Bauld said: "There is a slight sign that people who have had both doses of the vaccine might be behaving a little more differently as in more likely to report that they have been into somebody else's home.

"The vast majority of people are still trying to follow the guidance."

Exercise is vital for physical and mental health and Oldham Community Leisure has been putting on online classes during lockdown.

Mary Higham is a member of Oldham leisure and said that there is nothing better than being able to have a swim.

She said: "It is wonderful to get back into the pool.

"I would usually swim 30 lengths a week to keep me fit and have really missed swimming an awful lot.

"I can't exercise properly because of back problems and swimming is all that helps stretch those muscles. So happy that we can book a swim again."