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13:45 GMT, Tuesday, 11 December 2007

The Falklands diver turned writer

Diver Tony Groom Tony Groom joined the Royal Navy at the age of 17 and went on to become a diver responsible for bomb disposal.

In 1982, he saw active service in the Falklands war.

He was responsible for clearing mines and dealing with unexploded bombs and was interviewed by the BBC in the spring of 2007 to mark the 25th anniversary of the war with Argentina.

Tony kept diaries and records of his career and was interviewed by Breakfast producer Sally Attard.

So impressed was she and cameraman Neil Paton with Tony's story, they suggested he write a book.

Tony wasted no time, and this week publishes Diver, just in time for the end of the anniversary year.

Diver Tony Groom

It has been a relatively fast turnaround from talking to Breakfast to getting the book published.

"My wife hasn't seen me in the last nine months. I've never tried to do anything like this before and it just came pouring out", said Tony.

Whilst researching for his book, Tony got back in touch with several of his former colleagues and since discussing their Falklands experiences, the men have stayed in regular contact.

Asked if writing about the events of 1982 stirred some painful memories, Tony replied "Yes. Reading it again took me back there.

"But it's not all about the Falklands. That takes up abut 50 per cent of the book - the rest of it is about North Sea diving.

"It's an incredibly dangerous business and nobody ever hears about what we do."

Diver will be in the shops from Saturday, 15 December.



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