DIVING experts are wasting no time in their search for the next generation of Olympic hopefuls.

British Junior Talent Programme Manager Julian Bellan will visit Southampton this autumn on a mission to find divers who have the same potential as Athens silver medallist Peter Waterfield.

Pupils from around 200 schools within a ten-mile radius of The Quays in Southampton will be invited to take part in the scheme, entitled the Junior Talent Identification Programme.

Around 2,000 children in school years two to six will be screened using simple gymnastic tests and anthropometric measurements to analyse their potential as divers.

Up to 30 youngsters will be selected from those who take part in the assessment to join a fast-track programme involving both dry side and pool sessions to teach them the art of springboard and highboard diving.

Children will not need to have been involved in any particular sport to be eligible for selection.

Lindsey Fraser, director of coaching with the Southampton Diving Academy and British Olympic team manager, is delighted about the proposed programme.

"I am very excited about what will be a wonderful opportunity to find the next Peter Waterfield," said Waterfield's coach.

Schools wishing to take part in the scheme should contact Anne Clewlow on 023 8022 1707 to register their interest.