Relaxed rules allowing people to wear leggings, gym tops and other tight-fitting clothes at a north Norfolk swimming pool have been hailed as a success.

Since it opened in November 2021, the Reef leisure centre in Sheringham has given swimmers the opportunity to cover up more than they used to in a bid to give more people the confidence to get the pool.

Stuart Jardine, contract manager from Everyone Active, which runs the centre, said the rules had been welcomed.

He said: “We want to break down as many barriers as possible. 

“Some of the feedback we've had over the years is about the self-conscious side of just getting into the water and getting to it.

“With little changes such as introducing activewear in the pool, we feel it’s a no-brainer.”

A Mental Health Foundation report in 2019 found 31pc of UK teenagers and 35pc of adults felt ashamed or depressed because of their body image.

Mr Jardine said clothes that were allowed included leggings, gym tops and other tight-fitting clothes, but nothing too baggy which would drag in the water and weigh the swimmer down.