FISH swim with sharks every day but, for the Fish family, diving in the shark tanks at Blue Planet Aquarium was definitely a new experience.

Graham, Linda and Gemma Fish of Worsley decided to do a sponsored swim with sharks to raise money for St Ann's Hospice. Linda also wanted to overcome a fear of going under water.

"The hardest part was building up the courage to dive," explained Linda, a social worker with Bolton Social Service.

"I wasn't scared of the sharks. I was more bothered about keeping my breathing calm. My family and friends could see us through the spectator window and could see the sharks swimming around us, but initially we were oblivious!"

"Once I was used to being under water I was able to look at the sharks, the sting rays, barracuda and the small fish that came up to peck at our suits," said Linda. "Sharks regularly lose their teeth so there were plenty lying in the gravel. I picked a few up to keep as souvenirs."

The Fish family, along with Gemma's boyfriend Paul Simpson, has raised £900 for St Ann's Hospice, but they would like to reach £1,000.

"It was such a wonderful experience and I would definitely do it again," said Linda.

"To be honest, we haven't come down to earth yet!"

St Ann's Hospice is offering more opportunities to swim with the sharks.