A jaws-some tank dive for charity pair

Glenn and Kevin face to face with 30-stone sand tiger sharks as they dived to raise funds for the RSPCA

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A BRAVE pair almost doubled their fundraising target after diving with sharks.

Animal lovers Glenn Drake-Owen and Kevin Britt came face-to-face with 30-stone Sand Tiger sharks to raise just under £1,000 for Oldham RSPCA.

While the 11-foot female sharks are relatively placid and have no confirmed human fatalities Glenn admitted they were one of his greatest fears.

The duo rose to the challenge as part of Breakey & Nuttall's bid to raise £50,000 to help the RSPCA fund their new animal centre at Strinesdale Country Park.

Associate partner Glenn said: "We survived! It was an amazing experience.

"One of the sharks got pretty close at one point and we were instructed to keep as low as possible.

"I don't mind admitting to being a little scared at that point but it was so worth it.

"A large yellow eel came to say hello too, as did so many of the less scary species. It was fascinating."

The partners joined four others for training ahead of the 30-minute dive on Sunday. They were also given instruction on safety procedures and equipment before entering the Caribbean reef tank.

Neither Glenn nor Kevin, who works for the North West Ambulance Service, had undertaken a shark dive before.

The pair took to the water at the Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, which holds Europe's largest collection of sharks.

RSPCA operations director Denise McCabe previously said: "The work Breakey & Nuttall are doing is priceless. We really are incredibly grateful for all their efforts."

The £920 raised through the shark dive will go towards finishing touches such as carpet tiles, beds for the overnight accommodation room and the cost of staff training.

Glenn added: "We're delighted so many people have supported us, and equally delighted to have been able to raise so much for the RSPCA site."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Glenn-Drake-Owen.