The "Gildy Gang" believe they are the first people in the world to have completed the madcap 24-hour marathon to raise thousands of pounds for Sport Relief.

A total of 33 fund-raisers armed themselves with pool cues, donned their wetsuits and plunged into Gildenburgh Water, in Eastrea Road, Whittlesey, on Friday, to take up the challenge.

The event was held on one of the training platforms within the lake on a pool table made especially for the fund-raiser by Peterborough company Drinkwaters, which is based in Vicarage Farm Road, Eastern Industry.

Buddy teams of two divers each spent 30 minutes at a time playing pool for the duration of the marathon.

The unusual idea was dreamed up when the Gildy Gang took part in a 24-hour diveathon last year, raising £4,000 for Comic Relief.

Dive master Pete Stewart (54) said: "Last year when we did the dive someone brought a chess set down with them and we were playing drafts on it.

"I suggested playing pool under water, but was told not to be so stupid. However, the more we thought about it, the more it became a real possibility."

He added: "It was certainly very interesting, and challenging, playing pool under water. You weren't quite sure which way the balls were going to go!"

He said he wanted to thank everyone who took part, especially Keith Bowman, Paul Biggin, Darren Grace and Jason Flynn for the amount of dives they did, Sarah Bowman for staying up for the duration to do safety cover, and Drinkwaters, which made and donated the pool table for free.

The specially-made table consisted of a slate base – which was painted white and carried the Sport Relief Logo – so it sank and the balls rolled off easily.

The pockets were slightly bigger than on standard tables and American-sized pool balls were used.

Partner in Drinkwaters Steve Drinkwater said: "The request for the table was certainly very unusual – we have never been asked to make one before.

"It had to be designed differently as, obviously, playing pool under water is very different to playing normally. We did not put any rubber around the cushions for example, as there was no need for it. We have been happy to help."

n The Gildy Gang has submitted its application to the Guinness Book of Records and hopes to have raised between £3,500 and £4,500 for Sport Relief.

However, there is still time to support the team and make a donation by visiting www.mysportrelief/ gildygangpool

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