A SCUBA diver from Stretton has pledged to get more women to take the plunge.

Sophie Heptonstall, aged 35, is the youngest ever national diving officer for the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) - the UK's governing body for scuba diving and snorkelling.

As well as bucking the age trend, Sophie is also only the third woman to be appointed into the role in the organisation's 61-year history.

Based at Hartford Sub Aqua Club, Sophie, who is actively partnering Sport England's This Girl Can campaign, will be focusing her attention on getting more women active.

"There are a lot of women divers - some of our clubs have large numbers of female members, but our current overall percentage of female members is 27 per cent, so we would like more women to join up," she said.

"Really, this is about challenging perceptions. The perception of diving in the UK is that it's cold and difficult, it's not like the visions people have of the crystal clear waters you see on holiday.

"People also have a perception that diving is a macho thing and they think it's a bit daunting for a woman to do.

"The BSAC This Girl Can Dive scheme is about dispelling some of those myths.

"Yes it is colder here in the UK, but we dive in dry-suits and the technology behind the diving kit is so good that it will combat a lot of the cold."

She admits there are concerns from women but is hopeful more will give the activities a go.

She added: "Scuba is a sport where people can be equal, it's not about physical strength.

"It helps to be able to swim but you don't have to be an amazing swimmer.

"Once you're in your suit and underwater it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman."