OPEN water swimming and water safety sessions set to take place at Gartmorn Dam this week for girls aged 12-16 have been postponed due to blue-green algae.

The free sessions, funded by the council, are being organised by Clacks company Wild Wimmin, which was incorporated in May by the Wee County's Jenny Patterson and Heather Dewar in the wake of the popular Wild Wimmin Swimmin group.

The sessions were due to go ahead this week, however, it is understood they have now been postponed due to the presence of blue-green algae in the water.

Actually a bacteria, blue-green algae can produce toxins when blooming, causing rashes if in contact with the skin or illness if swallowed.

Those looking to sign up, or have already done so, can keep an eye on wildwimmin.co.uk while the team works on alternative arrangements.

As reported by the Advertiser in April, the group of Clacks women have found a “life-changing” hobby during lockdown, boosting their physical and mental wellbeing with open water swimming.

Group founder Jenny has since grown the movement and hopes the sessions will be beneficial following the closure of Alloa Leisure Bowl.

It is hoped the sessions will be well received and will unlock additional funding to reach a wider range of women and, in the future, men and boys as well.

Jenny and Heather founded Wild Wimmin after both were made redundant this year from long term positions in the charity and retail sectors.

On top of the funded sessions for girls, which will take place each day at Gartmorn Dam from this Thursday to Saturday, August 14, the business is also offering individual and group open water swim sessions.

Focusing on swimming retreats, trips away are planned in 2021-22 at stunning locations include the Isle of Mull, Arrochar and Anstruther.

Jenny and Heather are also understood to be in the process of establishing their Wild Wimmin Foundation to ensure women and girls in Scotland “have the opportunity to be healthier, happier and more confident through the provision of free or affordable outdoor activities and experiences”.

Both are certified open water swim coaches and will be delivering the three free sessions between 2pm and 3pm each day.

For more information, visit bit.ly/3yBgyDt where booking is also available.