A world record for diving endurance has finally been recognised by the Guinness Book Of Records after a six year fight.

Bill Blaxland, who lived at King Alfred Road, Harold Wood, before moving to Witham three months ago, stayed under-water for an astonishing five hours and 25 minutes on July 30, 1994 with only air from a single tank of breathing apparatus.

The 58-year-old's official record attempt came while representing Havering and Ilford British Sub Aqua Club of Central Park Swimming Pool, Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill, as part of a charity event there raising almost £6,000.

But Guinness Book compilers excluded it from official records believing it both dangerous and uninteresting to readers.

Their ruling came despite liaison with club social secretary Steve Barnett to ensure all conditions were met for the record attempt.

Mr Barnett for the next six years wrote letters about the perceived injustice to the publishers of the famous book, which has now reconsidered and created a new category, Underwater Endurance.

The club's meeting last Thursday night saw a surprise get together for stalwart member Mr Blaxland, who was presented with his record certificate by the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC).

A semi retired plumber, he has also travelled extensively with the club to dive, including to the Red Sea, Egypt.

He said: "It's not a macho record. It takes a lot of patience. I got my breathing down to two breaths a minute. I even tried to sleep but that's too difficult."

Mr Barnett, 41, of Kirby Close, Harold Hill, said: "Bill had the air needs of a mouse. A St John Ambulance witness had been counting and timing Bill's exhaled bubbles and said that he was 'not human and should not be alive'."

Mr Barnett praised Havering Council for constantly supporting the 160 member club, but warned unless it redesigned the £6.4million Central Park pool, the record could not be defended in Havering.

"The Navy has said it will challenge the record but unfortunately the new development at Central Park would be too shallow."

BSAC chairman, Phil Harrison, said: "This is an amazing feat that will be hard to beat."

A Guinness Book Of Records spokesman said: "Safety issues, since fully addressed, were considered a great problem to the new Underwater Endurance category. Risks to participants are now more controllable and we are pleased at long last to verify Mr Blaxland's achievement."

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