A SHUTTLE/TIMES & NEWS employee plunged into the deep end - literally - when she dived with sharks in the name of charity.

Deputy advertising manager, Michelle Walton, was in her element when she took part in a scuba dive at the Blue Planet Aquarium in Chester to raise money for The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign last Saturday.

Michelle, who has previously dived with sharks in Egypt, said she never failed to be amazed by the "exciting" creatures.

The experience was heightened by the sense of achievement in raising £300 for research into muscular dystrophy - a genetic disorder that affects thousands of people across the UK each year.

She said: "I didn't feel nervous, just very excited. There were a range of sharks, including sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks and reef sharks. They were amazing to watch but we couldn't touch anything and had to drop to our knees when they swam overhead.

"The main thing is to stay relaxed and calm."

Michelle, who is currently studying for her dive master certificate, said she wanted to thank dive instructor, Mandy Garcia.

She was also particularly impressed by the aquarium's approach to shark consevartion and the staff's commitment to raising awareness of sharks to the public.

She added: "I'm thrilled I had the chance to take part in the dive and to raise money for such a good cause.

"I wasn't scared at all. Sharks are beautiful and it gave me the chance to show everyone that they are not the scary, frightening creatures that people think they are."