A teenager is competing with people from across the world to land her dream job as a diving expert.

Helen Shepperson, aged 19, from Lichfield, has entered the Best Dive Job in the World Competition which could see her winning a training internship at a Bali diving school.

After completing the internship, Miss Shepperson, a former Friary School student, would earn PADI Scuba Instructor status.

She said: “When I was little, my teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said a mermaid. She told me I couldn’t because it wasn’t a real job.This is partly why I want to win.

“I have completely and utterly fallen in love with diving. Everything from the physical sport aspect, to the marine life, to the whole lifestyle and atmosphere — it’s just downright perfect.

“I have a grand total of seven dives under my weight belt, but this just means that everything I see and do is more often than not still a first.”

The avid diver has been maintaining a blog and a video diary as part of the competition.

She said: “I would be so grateful if people could watch the videos, read the text and leave a supportive comment if they think I deserve to win.”

Miss Shepperson’s entry can be viewed via www.bestdivejob.com and the competition closes on February 28.

Image: hamletnc/SXC