A DOTING father who took up diving after the death of his wife has won his first competition.

But Stephen Pattinson, 42, is not getting too big-headed about his success - he was the only entrant in his age category.

Mr Pattinson, of Merrybent, near Darlington, began diving in August, eight months after losing wife Stephanie to cancer.

The couple's two children, Emily, 13, and six-year-old Monty, are keen divers and Mr Pattinson, who owns two florist shops, wanted to help them train.

After months of practice, he completed his first diving competition at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington on Sunday.

"I was the only person in my category, the 35 to 49 age group, so although I came first I'm not sure it really counts.

"I was actually quite disappointed that there wasn't anybody to compete against, but I did it to raise money for charity," he said.

"I'm on target to raise about £500."

He added: "I've now got a diving target to beat as well."

The money raised will go to Holistic Cancer Care project at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Emily has won three diving tournaments this year and Monty recently came fourth in a contest in Edinburgh.