A NORTH-East diver will soon taste fresh air for the first time since he embarked on the dramatic mission to try to save submariners on the stricken Russian vessel, Kursk.

Jimmy Mallen, 38, of Peterlee, County Durham, was part of a 12-man diving team dispatched to search for survivors from the wrecked nuclear submarine.

His wife Gwen, 37, yesterday spoke of their pride in the work the father-of-two had undertaken. She said: "We are all really proud of him, especially the kids who were over the moon when they saw his picture in a national newspaper."

She revealed her relief at knowing he may finally be on the way home.

"I was dubious about him going because it is pretty dangerous," she said.

"Nobody knew what it would be like down there and I would imagine it would be pretty bad weather."

The team, working for the Stolt Offshore company, are in a decompression chamber, counteracting the immense pressure forced on their bodies while diving at depth.

Mr Mallen's diving exploits are a far cry from the days eight years ago when he was working as a painter and decorator in Peterlee after leaving the Army.

His best friend Mick Harbord said: "He is a big, strong, fit lad.

"If I was in a situation like that I wouldn't mind Jimmy trying to get me out."

Away from diving, Mr Mallen shares a lifelong passion for Sunderland Football Club with his close friend.

Britain formally paid its respects yesterday to the 118 sailors who died aboard the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk in the Barents Sea disaster.

Foreign Office minister Peter Hain went to the Russian Embassy in London's Kensington Palace Gardens to sign a book of condolence on behalf of the Government.

''The sinking of the Kursk with the loss of 118 human lives cannot fail to have touched us all deeply,'' said Mr Hain.

The Queen has sent a message to President Putin expressing sympathy for the bereaved families, and for divers taking part in the grim recovery operation