DANCERS will perform underwater at Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium this week to celebrate the launch of a new course at Plymouth College of Art.

The event on Thursday has been organised to mark the launch of the college's unique BA course in Underwater and Surface-Based Imaging.

Dave Kinney, programme leader for the course, said: "We want to show people exactly how underwater photographic skills can be used to produce unique and creative imagery.

"The dancers have not performed underwater before so they are training to hold their breath for long enough for us to capture images of them suspended in the tank.

"I'm hoping the launch will resonate with water lovers everywhere as we're looking for enthusiastic, committed people with a passion for creative image-making, be it natural history, extreme sports, marine biology or fine art practice."

John Crouch, head of marketing at the National Marine Aquarium, said: "We're delighted to host this event which supports our offering in the marine environment and I'm looking forward to seeing our remotely operated vehicles tank used in this innovative way.

"We have the perfect environment and the South West coastline and marine ecology in particular offer a vast range of natural resources for water-based photography."

There will be a chance for people to shoot the action in the tank from all angles, talk to people working in the water-based sector and find out more about the new programme.

To register for the event, contact marketing@plymouthart.ac.uk. For more information about the course, contact Mr Kinney on 01752 203434 or visit www.plymouthart.ac.uk.