BY The Press Association

World-first technology to make diving safer is to be used in an artificial wreck planned for the UK coast.

The £5 million project claims it will be the "latest, safest diving system" and will be fitted with computer technology and cameras that allow a diver to see and plan their route through the wreck before diving.

If the project goes ahead, the wreck would be sited in 30 metres (98ft) of water off Portscatho village near the Roseland Peninsula, Cornwall.

It will be 60 metres long and made from rubber tyres, steel and concrete.

Joseph Toland, spokesman for the consortium of businesses which are backing the project, said: "The technology we're using on this project is a world first.

"You will be able to see pictures on your computer and plan your route through the wreck before you dive.

"There will also be cameras linked to the Maritime Museum and the Marine Studies Centre in Falmouth. It will be the latest, safest state-of-the-art diving system."

The plans for the wreck also include "toys" for divers which will be bolted on to the ship.

Mr Toland said they could include old diggers and quarry machinery that divers could get in and he hopes it could generate millions of pounds for the South West economy.

He said A&P Falmouth, which runs the town's dockyard, would build the artificial wreck which is planned for 2009. The scheme is hoping to win European money and sponsorship from major companies.

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