THE Quays-based diving academy are staging their first 'display' show in a bid to attract new fans to the sport.

The Southampton academy are one of the leading groups of divers in Britain.

Led by Olympic silver medallist Peter Waterfield, the group regularly compete in internationals across the world.

Only a few months ago Waterfield and Co. were in action in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Now they will be the star performers when the academy hosts its inaugural diving display at the Quays on Saturday June 17 (5pm and 7pm).

Not only will Waterfield be showcasing some of his top dives, but all the age groups contained under the academy umbrella will be diving.

There will be mass flights and a comedy routine - the latter featuring the elite squads - to wow the crowds.

The 'celebration of Southampton diving' will also honour club president Alan Alderman, who is stepping down from his role after more than three decades of active involvement in the sport locally.

Along with his wife, Jan - the club's treasurer - Alderman will be honoured at a dinner to be held in the sports pavilion at Wide Lane later that evening.

"The diving display is something we have been thinking about for some while, probably since the last Olympics," explained academy official Anne Clewlow.

"The trouble has been trying to fit it into the divers' schedules, what with their international commitments.

"We have staged a version of the display when we've hosted the Southampton Schools diving championships in recent years, and it's always been a spectacular sight.

"Even I have been moved by what I've seen, and I watch the divers perform weekly."

To complete a busy day for the diving academy, the fourth Southampton Schools championships also take place at The Quays on June 17 (10am-4pm).

"That's our real grass-roots championship," said Clewlow. "There will be children who have only been diving a few weeks and some who have probably only had a couple of lessons."

Tickets for the diving display at The Quays are available from the complex. They are priced £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. A family ticket (for four people) costs £25. Further details from 023 8072 0900.