THE usually mundane task of ironing is about to get a rev-up when three Torbay divers take part in a world-record underwater ironing attempt.

It will be full steam ahead when more than 80 divers from across the country attempt to flatten the world record.

Underwater ironing is an extreme sport and the record was set by 72 Australian scuba divers in April, in a plunge off a Melbourne pier.

Paul Mason, the vice-chairman of the Torbay British Sub Aqua Club, is taking part in the record-breaking attempt in Chepstow along with fellow Torbay divers Jack Macloughlin, a computing student at South Devon College and Kevin Western who works as a maintenance engineer.

Paul, director of Three Counties Home Inspection, said: "We already have more than 80 people signed up to take part, so the record will be ours.

"It's in aid of a good cause and — seeing we beat the Aussies so well at the Olympics — I thought we would continue the tradition and snatch this title from them!"

The dive is being organised by the Yorkshire Divers group and is due to take place in a quarry in Chepstow.

All proceeds will be donated to the RNLI.

Paul called for support, saying: "Please support our collective madness by sponsoring us online at

or come and join us to make this a record which will be unbeatable."

The event will also include a raffle with prizes such as a £700 dive computer.

Tickets are available at

Any divers who would like to take part in the world record attempt next January should phone Paul on 07890 695464.