A popular scuba diving club in Bushey has celebrated 40 years of underwater exploration.

Members of Bushey and Borehamwood Sub Aqua Club held a birthday party at their headquarters in the Lincolnsfield Centre on Saturday.

The club is made up of 50 members trained by both the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

Since its inception in 1971, the members have seen a great deal of change in a recreational activity which only grew in popularity in Britain in the 1950s.

Simon Calef, club member, said: “Les, one of our oldest members, had to make bits of his kit from scratch because you just couldn't buy it anywhere.

“Now we're running a snorkelling course for families and children, so when people go snorkelling in this country or on holiday they can do it safely.”

The club's divers regularly take part in weekend trips to sites across the country, this weekend they will visit Swanage, to dive on the wrecked Fleur de Lys, which lies at about 12 metres.

Mr Calef said he thought a new BBC series titled “Britain's Secret Seas” will generate a lot of new interest in the sport, by showing people what can be found on our doorstep.

He added: “It's a different world down there, sometimes it can be like swimming in a fish tank. James, our diving officer, was filming some shrimp in Wales when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

“When he looked back there was a young conger eel which wanted to be in the picture, just staring at him.”

For more information visit the related link below.