Surrey firefighter in underwater cycle challenge

Chris Sirett said cycling underwater had been a "surreal experience"

A Surrey firefighter and diving instructor have completed a charity challenge to cycle 64 miles submerged in cold water.

Christ Sirett, 52, a station manager at Guildford, completed the challenge with Mark Bruce.

The pair donned wetsuits and air tanks to take on the relay challenge at Wraysbury Dive Centre in Staines.

They took it in turns to pedal the mountain bike during one-hour sessions over an eight hour-period.

'Surreal experience'

The bike was fixed to an underwater platform.

The pair raised more than £1,300 for Help for Heroes, a charity which helps wounded soldiers and their families.

Mr Sirett, a former Royal Marine, said: "Cycling underwater was a surreal experience but we managed to average eight miles an hour which we are proud of.

"The cold water proved a real challenge along with dehydration and tiredness."