A DARING fundraiser has broken his first underwater world record while training for another.

Mark Colman, 43, took part in a record-breaking, five-hour underwater radio broadcast with Armed Forces Radio Station to help boost funds for Veterans in Action.

During the broadcast, Mark was joined by presenter Richard Hatch, for a game of pool underwater while helping to interview other guests on the show.

Mark, of Pendine Close, Corringham, is currently spending two hours in the gym every day as well as diving once a week to prepare for his challenge of spending five days underwater in June.

The former Royal Engineer will have to learn how to sleep and use the toilet while submerged in an underwater tank at the Underwater Studios, in Burnt Mills, Basildon.

Mark said: “It was really difficult to play pool underwater and it was probably the slowest game I have ever played.

“It was a really great day and we all had good fun doing it.“ So far, Mark has raised £185 for Veterans in Action and has vowed to plan one fundraising event a month to help him reach his target of £500,000.

He added: “The problem I have been having is getting the word out, so I want to do as much publicity as possible.“ To sponsor Mark for the dive visit www.worldrecorddive2012.wordpress.com