I HAVE always dreamed of exploring the wonders of the underwater world, swimming with fish in an astounding range of shapes and colours and discovering ships which have sat for years on the ocean bed.

But the concept of digging out my mask and snorkel and putting my head under the water while continuing to breathe has always filled me with terror – so turning my dreams into a reality has been out of the question.

When I found myself sat on the edge of the swimming pool at Polkyth Leisure Centre with an oxygen tank strapped to my back ready for a diving introduction with Mid Cornwall Divers, I was feeling a little nervous.

As part of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), Try Dive instructors led me through the essential hand signals, techniques and dos-and-don'ts before strapping on my mask and tank and letting me loose in the water.

From the instant I sank below the water surface, continuing to breathe, something clicked.

I felt like I had fallen into a mysterious world which had sat below me, waiting to be discovered as I swum my weekly lengths.

The noise of my breathing through the mouthpiece created the perfect backdrop for my exploration around the swimming pool floor, finding an earring and hair clip on my way.

Within minutes I was swimming through hoops and racing with a ping-pong ball underneath a spoon in a rethought egg and spoon race.

Despite lacking an aesthetic view filled with fish and underwater creatures the diving was incredibly fun and extremely peaceful.

Defying nature by continuing to breathe while I was submerged made me feel powerful and invincible.

Combined with the fins strapped to my feet that allowed me to propel through the water with minimal effort, I felt like I had the powers of a superhero.

I was disappointed when my hour was up and I had to hand back the equipment, but I enjoyed the experience so much that I have decided to do a diving course so I can discover life under the sea, as well as at the depths of the pool.

I even feel confident enough to rediscover my mask and snorkel and stick my head in the sea, trying not to hold my breath.