FORMER lorry driver David Robson is taking the plunge into a challenging career that could take him around the world as a deep-sea diver.

The 29-year-old, from Ferryhill, is completing his commercial diving training with a ten-week residential course, but his skills are in such demand that employers are already keen to sign him up.

Mr Robson said: "I was in the Army for 11 years and did some leisure diving which I thoroughly enjoyed.

"When I decided I would like a more challenging job, I decided to combine the diving with my interest in working on oil rigs."

Mr Robson's training was financed with the help of County Durham's Learning and Skills Council, and a £2,500 grant from the European Social Fund.

He said: "I was delighted to get the grant because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to afford the initial training, and I feel I have real prospects now.

"There is such a demand for divers that employers are looking for people even before they complete their training and will then help financially with the advanced training.

"Once I have some work experience I'm hoping to get a further civil diving qualification so I can work on bridge building and then continue up to diver supervisor level."

Mr Robson was helped by Spennymoor Community Learning Centre to put together information on training and qualifications and completed his initial training at the Nutec Centre for Safety, in Billingham.

Helen Jeffrey, from Spennymoor Community Learning, said: "It was a bit of a challenge for our guidance worker as we don't get many people looking for information on deep-sea diving, but she rose to the challenge and we are delighted David is doing so well.