THE city’s mayor is plunging into a pool from the diving board this month with the assistance of former Olympic diver Peter Waterfield.

Councillor Peter Baillie is taking part in a sponsored dive on January 25, in a bid to raise funds for loneliness support charity Communicare.

He said the charity is “close to his heart” and asks residents in Southampton to take part or cheer him on.

Councillor Peter Baillie said: “This is an exciting, ingenious and fun way to raise money for a charity that is close to my heart.

"I am really looking forward to taking part and to meeting Pete, who is an outstanding athlete who has done much to put Southampton on the sporting map with his successful diving career and his Olympic silver medal win.

“I’ve never done anything like this before, I am a complete diving novice and it’s going to be both a daunting and an exhilarating experience.

He added: “You can get involved by sponsoring me, coming along to watch, cheering me on as a Communicheerer, by diving yourself or volunteering to help run the event.”

Entrants will start with a poolside entry, then move up the boards to a level agreed between them and coaches.

Board heights include poolside, 1m, 3m, 5m, 7.5m and 10m.

Communicare Manager, Annie Clewlow said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the fearless and fit to make a splash in 2020 and to raise cash for us by entering our sponsored dive.

“We’re really excited that Olympic silver medallist, Peter Waterfield, has agreed to support us on the day and to guide and encourage our intrepid team, and that the mayor will also be making his debut on the boards.

“We’d love it if as many people as possible could join us as a diver or jumper, a sponsor, an event volunteer or a cheerleader.”

All those wanting to take part in the dive are asked to pay a £10 registration fee and raise a minimum of £30.

It will take place from 5.30pm to 7pm at the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex, Southampton, and entrants are required to attend both the training session on Friday, January 24 and the main event on Saturday, January 25.

To sign up, visit communicareinsouthampton.org.uk/make-a-splash-for-communicare-cash/.