A FATHER is hoping to make a splash in his first diving competition this weekend, in memory of his wife.

Stephen Pattinson, 42, will compete against divers from across Northumbria and County Durham at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington on Sunday.

Mr Pattinson, of Merrybent, only took up diving in August - eight months after losing his wife, renowned florist Stephanie, to cancer.

The couple's two children, Emily and Monty, are keen divers and as Mr Pattinson spent more and more time watching them practice he decided to join in.

He said: "Emily started diving three years ago and was coming on well. I realised the only way to help her was to learn how to do it myself. Then Monty started getting good as well so I decided to join in.

"I am very nervous about my first competition. I am in the second oldest class. I just hope I do OK."

As an extra incentive Mr Pattinson has collected sponsorship from friends and family depending on how well he does.

All the money raised will go to the Holistic Cancer Care Project at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, which offered care and support to Mrs Pattinson during her illness.

Mr Pattinson said: "It will be good to give something back to the hospital where Stephanie received all her treatment."

Mr Pattinson will be cheered on by his children who competed in the Scottish National Novice Championships in Edinburgh last weekend. Emily came sixth in her class and Monty came fourth.