A HEREFORD Cathedral School pupil has become the fastest ever student to qualify as a BSAC Ocean Diver with Hereford Sub-Aqua Club.

Sixteen-year-old Henry Vowels started the course from scratch in November last year and had finished by early December, in less than five weeks overall.

"It's the quickest we have ever had," said club chairman and instructor Mike Bailey. "Henry is very keen and passed every session first time, which is quite unusual as people usually have to repeat at least one of the sessions.

The club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year currently has 35 members.

"Henry is the youngest member and the oldest is around 70," said Bailey. "We meet every Wednesday socially at Hereford Rowing Club and every Friday at Hereford Leisure Pool for training.

"The Ocean Diver course includes a series of theory lessons, a theory exam, pool lessons and then five open water dives before qualifying.

"As an ocean diver, Henry is able to dive to 20m."

Our next Ocean Diver Course begins on February 3 and if anyone is interested in taking part they should contact me on 01432 272526."

Although he's now achieved the Ocean Diver qualification, Vowels does not see that as the summit of his ambitions.

"I heard about the Sub Aqua Club through the swimming pool and thought it would be something different to do," he said.

"I really enjoy and the ocean diver course was something I really wanted to do so I thought I would give it a go.

"Next I want to do the Sports Diver Course which involves three days of diving in Plymouth."