AN intrepid guide dog owner took the plunge in a tank with sharks as part of a 'Year of fear' fundraising campaign.

Kerry Singleton, from Great Sankey, joined Lynette Proctor, from the Wirral, completed the dive at Blue Planet Aquarium to raise awareness and funds for the charity Guide Dogs.

The pair, who are both visually impaired, will be taking on a variety of fearsome feats over the next 12 months and have so far raised £337 following their first challenge.

Kerry said: “Fears can be little or large.

"Before we had our guide dogs Pippa and Harley, even leaving the house alone was scary. Now we face our fears on a daily basis.

“We were nervous but excited about coming face to face with sharks but we want to show to everyone that losing your vision doesn't mean your life ends.

“No one should ever feel isolated the way we did. If we can inspire others who are visually impaired to live their lives to the fullest and have the independence they deserve then it will all be worth it."

The pair dived among nurse sharks with a maximum length of four metres, black and white tip reef sharks, stingrays and sand tiger sharks as well as around 1,500 fish including pufferfish, moray eels, trevally and triggerfish.

Kerry added: “Guide Dogs helped us both so much that we want to give something back and help them raise vital funds so they can continue to provide their life changing services."

Donate via uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/sharkdive5.