Ben's a scuba diver at 13 (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Ben's a scuba diver at 13

4:43pm Thursday 15th July 2010

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A BUDDING Jacques Cousteau has led his first scuba dive - aged just 13.

It takes most divers years of training before they get the chance to organise an underwater adventure.

But teenager Ben Shadbolt, from Clacton, took charge on a dive in Gozo while on holiday in Malta.

The Clacton County High School pupil had to brief the team and was then responsible for safety - including carrying out underwater oxygen checks on the six other divers.

The dive lasted more than 30 minutes and reached depths of more than 50ft.

Ben, of Park Square East, is already a qualified junior diver despite only taking up the sport 18 months ago and is about to complete his advanced training.

Clacton Scuba School instructor Mick Brown, who was with Ben on the dive, said: "I was very proud of him.

"He's a natural - he's a water baby and takes to it very easily."

After his adventure Ben was presented with a special dive leader badge by local scuba guide Richard Trewelin.

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