WARRINGTON Disability Partnership will be holding a charity scuba dive as it looks to raise £150,000 during its 25th birthday year.

The charity is looking to raise the total to help employ young disabled people in Warrington, and efforts will continue on Saturday September 3 with the Going the Extra Mile Scuba Challenge.

First-timers can try scuba diving at Woolston Neighbourhood Hub from 3.30pm while qualified divers can swim a mile for the charity.

It is hoped that £2,500 will be raised for the 25th Anniversary Legacy Appeal.

Meanwhile, a group of more experienced diver will be travelling to Capenwray Dive Centre - among them will be full-time wheelchair users Dave Thompson and Tom Coleridge.

WDP founder and chief executive Dave Thompson said: “I started diving eight years ago and the freedom it gives you indescribable – you’re just totally weightless.

“From a physical point of view there’s very little I can do these days but the water allows you to do something and you feel good afterwards.

“It’s utterly amazing and we’re trying to encourage more people to undertake scuba diving - anyone of any age can try it if they’ve never tried it before.”

Disability information officer Tom Coleridge added: “The first time I did it was at Disability Awareness Day two years – it was absolutely amazing and that was it then.

“When I’m underneath the water I don’t even remember I’m in a wheelchair.”

To donate click here.