HAMPSHIRE students had the chance to immerse themselves in the lives of military divers for a day.

A group of students from Eastleigh College visited the Defence Diving School on Horsea Island.

Army diver warrant officer Clive Robertson welcomed the youngsters who could also see the equipment used by the divers.

They had also the opportunity to meet some of the student divers who treated them to a demonstration of the standby diver drill which simulates the rescue of a diver who has got into difficulties underwater.

All the college students involved have learning difficulties and are undertaking a two-year course as an alternative to a more traditional work placement programme.

The initiative was part of visits that the college organises to teach students work, independence and inter-personal skills.