A FORMER British diving champion is joining the fight to save Barnet’s only diving facility and calls the sport a ‘life saver’.

Barnet’s diving facility in Copthall Leisure centre in Champions Way, Hendon, is under threat of closure, and parents are uniting to save it for their children’s sake.

If the diving facility is taken away, it would mean the current Tom Daley diving squad, would have to travel 15-20 miles to continue diving with appropriate facilities.

Steven Ramsey, 45, grew up in Finchley, and moved back again with his children, who were keen to try the sport themselves.

Mr Ramsey trained three – four times a week and all day on a Sundays from the age of six and said “the diving pool was my life.”

Mr Ramsey, now a techincal manager for Leica Geosystems, said: “The community spirit of the club and the dedication of the coach at the time got me all the way to being British champion.

“A few years ago, I returned to diving and took up diving again in my early 40's. It was a life saver. To be welcomed in to the club even for a short time diving again alongside children the age I was when I started.

“I know diving is not as popular as other sports even seen as elitist sometimes. Why is this? Is it because there are so few places you can do it? Parents of very young sports enthusiasts just can't travel hours to take their children diving, meaning only locals really get to try it.

“I want to think my grandchildren would be able to give it a go or even see me try again.

“There are more Toms out there let's not make it impossible to find him or her.”

Campaigners are trying to gather as many signatures as possible.

To support the protesters, you can sign the petition at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-diving-at-barnet-coptall