Brightly coloured coral reefs, exotic fish, sea turtles and shipwrecks entice thousands of people on to diving courses every year.

And Wearside is now the proud home of the only Padi (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) National Geographic standard dive centre in the North East.

Sunderland Scuba Centre, in Trimdon Street, Millfield, was awarded the prestigious status earlier this year.

Businesses are only granted the award if they excel in their education programmes, experience opportunities and customer service.

The National Geographic stamp of approval means Sunderland Scuba Centre's team offers five-star diving experiences and qualifications.

Graeme Eccles, 34, a taxi driver, of Chester Road, Sunderland, was the first person to complete the Sunderland National Geographic course.

He finished it in two weeks and is now working towards an even higher qualification.

He said: "I've always been interested in diving and I wanted something new I could get into outside of work.

"My first open water dive was brilliant. It took my breath away. It was definitely an adrenaline rush."

Students do six pool dives, using the pool at Thornhill School, before they are taken for six open water dives in English lakes.

Graeme completed his open dives, over three days, and mapped a shipwreck, underwater, as his final project.

He said: "It is a lot to take in, but if you are prepared to do the work its exciting.

"It's better than coming home from work and sitting in front of the TV every night."

Graeme was lucky because he had a lot of time on his hands, but everyone can complete the course at their own pace at no extra cost.

No one is moved on from the pool lessons until they are confident in the water, and courses are tailored to people's needs,
Steve Gibson, who runs the Sunderland Scuba Centre with his wife Valerie, said: "Anyone can learn to dive from age 10 and disabilities are not a barrier to diving, either.

"We can adjust the course to suit everyone. Even people with paraplegia can do it."

The qualification is recognised all over the globe so once you are qualified the world is your oyster.

Steven's passion for the sport is clear and his enthusiasm for sea life and conservation is contagious.

As well as training and equipment, the shop provides diving holidays to exotic locations and courses in digital underwater photography.

In August the team is off to the Philippines, is going to Egypt for the New year and the Red Sea at Easter.

One of the wrecks it explores in the Red Sea is the SS Thistlegorm which was built on the River Wear.

The team also dives to the Salem Express a ferry which sank off the Hyndman Reef on December 15, 1991.

About 1,600 people died in that incident and as a mark of respect for the loss of life divers never enter the ship.

Steven McGarry, 24, an engineer, from Hebburn was given a diving course as a Christmas present from his girlfriend and his mum.

He said: "I was an absolutely brilliant course and I know it sounds cheesy, but it's like a whole new world."

Why take the plunge with Padi?
AS with many sports, there are many different certification organisations available. Many people choose Padi, (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), as their route into the underwater world.

Padi is undoubtedly the biggest, issuing about a million certifications a year.

The Padi certification card is recognised and welcomed in more countries than any other.

With more than 130,000 Padi professionals and about 5,300 Padi Dive Centres and Resorts in 180 countries you will be likely to find a Padi Professional who can speak your language and offer you a comfortable diving or learning experience.

On dives you'll be surrounded by other Padi divers who made the same choice as you – to train with the world's largest and most respected diver training organisation.