A SCUBA diver's third attempt to beat the world record for the longest time spent underwater came to a dramatic end following problems with his wet suit.

Mark Webber, 35, was dragged from his giant red and blue water tank by safety divers at Farington Business Park, Golden Hill Lane, Leyland, yesterday, after his catheter came off on Tuesday.

Despite attempts to reconnect the tube medics decided he should be taken out ending his 15-day scubathon attempt after just four days, 14 hours, 49 minutes and 40 seconds.

Peter Walmsley, organiser, said: "Problems started on Tuesday so he took his suit off and put it on again in the water so we could try and reconnect the catheter.

"But it didn't work and we could see he was in a lot of pain so we had to go down and get him.

"He didn't want to come out but if he hadn't, it could have been a lot more serious."

He was taken to Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, and his hands and feet were treated for water saturation which makes the skin sore and wrinkled.

The truck driver, who decided to do the attempt after suggestions from 14-year-old son Jamie, was rushed to hospital during his first scubathon in 1996 when his suit sprung a leak.

Mr Walmsley said: "I can't tell whether he will have another go but he should just rest for the moment."