The fourth annual Southampton Schools' diving competition takes place at The Quays this Saturday (10am-4pm).

In contrast to recent county and district competitions held at the pool, this will be the first diving event that most of the competitors have taken part in.

Peter Waterfield,the Southampton-based Olympic silver, is hoping to be present at the Schools' Competition, taking part in the opening ceremony.

He will also be helping and encouraging the children.

"This is an event I love to be a part of," Waterfield said.

"I am passionate about my sport and really get a buzz out of seeing these kids getting into it.

"Diving is a great sport to be involved in and here in Southampton we can give children opportunities that just can't be found in most places in England."

The competition has attracted nearly 80 entrants from 50 different schools.

The age range is from 6 to 13 years and includes many children who have joined the sport through The Quays' successful free "taster" sessions.

The first Southampton Schools' Competition in 2003 resulted in Max Brick, pictured, winning a gold medal only weeks into taking up diving.

The 13-year-old has since gone on to represent Great Britain and is one of only just over 200 athletes across all sports in Britain to be selected to take part in TASS 2012, a programme preparing sportsmen to compete at the Olympics in London.

At the recent National Junior Elite competition in Sheffield, he qualified for the Junior British team at the European and World Championships to be held in Palma de Majorca and Kuala Lumpar respectively this summer.

Spectators are welcome and entry to the event is free.