IT IS third time lucky for a scuba diver who is heading to Leyland to plunge in at the deep end for a 15-day underwater world record.

Mark Webber, 35, will submerge in a giant red and blue tank at Farington Business Park, Golden Hill Lane, on October 22, to raise money for St Catherine's Hospice, Derian House Children's Hospice and Broughton House Hospice, a charity for ex-servicemen in Manchester.

The truck driver was inspired to take on the 'scubathon' challenge by son, Jamie, 14, who realised it had never been done before when he checked the Guinness Book of Records.

"People have done similar things but they've had breaks," said Mark, who is in the Territorial Army.

"This will be continuous and I've had to learn how to eat, change my suit in the water and even have a bed in the tank."

He has worked hard keeping fitness levels up and has dived in open waters in Britain and Europe to practise.

It has not all been plain sailing for the daredevil dad who is a truck driver.

He was rushed to hospital suffering from hypothermia following his first record-breaking attempt in 1996 when his suit sprung a leak and the water temperature plunged.

"I didn't want to come out but safety divers dragged me out because they could see I was losing it and I fell unconscious," said Mark, who is from Wilmslow.

A second attempt was thwarted because he was stationed in Iraq, in February last year.

Now he is more determined than ever to get his name in the record books and is taking meditation lessons to help him relax in the tank. Mark is doing a 24 hour practice at the venue on June 26 from noon and is asking for support.

There will also be fairground attractions, a barbecue, a Dutch auction and an opportunity to try scuba diving.