The plan could turn Plymouth into a global centre of diving expertise

HMS Scylla will be sunk off Whitsand Bay to attract more divers and marine experts to the county.

The vessel, which was built at Devonport Dockyard, has been bought by Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium (NMA).

She is currently being made safe to ensure there is no environmental damage when she is sunk.

Biologists say once the Scylla is on the seabed, she will be colonised by sea creatures.

There are also plans to attach web cameras to the 2,500-tonne vessel, which was taken out of active service in 1993.

The NMA believes it will attract divers and could help to generate as much as �1m annually for the local economy.