GET INTO GEAR FOR LIDS 2010

Whether a seasoned pro or a novice diver, the London International Dive Show on 27 and 28 March is the best place to get your 2010 season off to a cracking start! There'll be over 200 companies showing the latest diving gear and clothing, holiday destinations, training opportunities plus much more. And, with two free diving pools - one for first timers and another for testing the latest technical kit - a free programme of exhibitor and speaker presentations - underwater photographic galleries plus a digital photography clinic, there'll be plenty to see and do.

LOOK WHO'S TALKING

Three new additions to the line-up of guest presenters are arctic explorer and Oceans presenter and author Paul Rose, Mike Rutzen, one of the world's best-known shark divers, and a perennial show favourite Monty Halls, who will update us on his latest adventures including his recent 'Lions and Sharks' Tour in South Africa.

Dr Andrea 'Queen of Mantas' Marshall will be coming over from Mozambique to talk about her work, the subject of a much-discussed BBC Natural World documentary recently. Californian Andrea moved to Mozambique seven years ago, and was the first person in the world to gain a manta ray PhD. She is at the forefront of efforts to protect the rays through research into their biology and behaviour.

There are plenty of treats in store for wreck and tech divers at LIDS, too. Already confirmed as speakers are top technical divers Teresa Telus and Leigh Bishop, Mark Powell and Jack Ingle. Teresa' talk about the wrecks of Truk Lagoon was a hit at DIVE 2009, and this time she is joined by leading deep-wreck photographer Leigh Bishop.

Back to the animals, and award-winning director John Boyle will preview his latest underwater film, Freaks of the Sea, while shark expert Richard Peirce turns his attention to great whites and blues in the Mediterranean.

MORE TO SEE AND DO ...

Visit the Try-Dive Pool, where freediver Marcus Greatwood and his NoTanx team will be conducting breath-hold demonstrations and challenges, with prizes for spectators who back the winners! Alternatively the Technical Pool allows more advanced divers to try out rebreathers, DPVs and other kit.

Divers keen to improve their own lens-work will be welcomed at Saeed Rashid and Paul Duxfield's Digital Clinic as well as the BSoUP stand for one-to-one advice

As ever there is also a chance for non-divers and children to get wet, in the Try-Dive Pool; and the story of sponge-diving and the hardhat heroes who became involved in this pursuit is the theme of the Historic Diving Society's exhibit.

For more information, an up-to-date programme of activities or to book advance tickets to the show visit www.diveshows.co.uk Tickets cost £7.50 in advance (under 14s go free) or £10.50 on the door. Anyone buying six or more tickets together will benefit from a further reduction £1 reduction on the price of each adult ticket.