A TEAM of Southampton youngsters has taken the plunge and swum five miles under water to raise funds for charity in honour of their club mentor.

Swimming the equivalent of the distance from the Isle of Wight to Portsmouth - 288 lengths in total - the Octopush team hope to raise £800 for cancer research.

The idea was that of Winchester student Adam Gordon, who wanted to show his gratitude to Dave Bowyer, a lynchpin of the underwater hockey club.

Dave, 42, a former Army chef, has bone cancer and is now paralysed from the chest downwards.

His own children Melanie, 17 and Aaron, 19 were part of the team of six who swam more than 45 lengths under water each in the challenge at the Quays in Southampton.

Octopush is underwater hockey where players, wearing fins, masks and snorkels hit a puck into a goal.

Adam, 20, said: "We all think really highly of Dave. He's been such a valued member of the Octopush club and we wanted to do something to honour him.

"Not only has he an outstanding personality, but he's been treasurer and secretary and helped organise everything."

The club, which practices at Bitterne Leisure Centre, has set up the Dave Bowyer award in appreciation of his dedication to the club.

Adam added: "I'd like to thank the Quays for letting us have the pool for the event and also Hampshire Police Federation for their fundraising tips."

For Octopush information call 023 8055 0079.