She decided to take the plunge so she can swim in the sea with her grandson, Joel, on their next trip abroad.

Angela, an Italian who moved to Halifax 40 years ago, said she had always wanted to learn but never had the chance.

But she had her first lesson as part of a Calderdale Council drive to get non-swimmers in the water.

"I have got time on my hands now so why not?" said Angela.

"I love the water and every time I go on holiday I see everybody having a splash and enjoying themselves.

"I will get there – just a few more lessons. My knees are very stiff so it will help with my arthritis too."

Angela said she did not have time to learn while she was bringing up three children on her own.

"But now I only have to look after myself so whatever I want to learn, I'm going to do. I really enjoy it and I hope there are more women who will do it", she said.

Martin Bradbury, the council's swim-development officer, said: "It just shows you are never too old to start learning. But it's not just older people we are trying to encourage – it's any adult who can't swim.

"It's great cardiovascular exercise, you're at 90ºC, which makes it easier on your heart and it's low compound on your joints.

"It's not expensive, you don't need a lot of equipment to participate – just a costume or a pair of trunks and a towel."

The adult lessons are held at Halifax, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden swimming pools with ladies' sessions available.