Author, adventurer and marathon runner Rosie Swale-Pope faced the latest of her 101 challenges on Friday when she took the plunge and dived with three-metre long sharks at the Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire Oaks.

The fearless 64-year-old grandmother braved shark-infested waters as part of her latest fund-raising endeavours - to complete 101 extreme activities.

Rosie, of Tenby, was the first woman to sail single-handed across the Atlantic in a small boat.

She has trekked 3,000 miles on horseback alone across Chile and successfully completed a five-year round-the-world run - raising more than £250,000 for charity in the process.

Last year, she completed 27 marathons in 27 days and has been described by the Sunday Times as 'somewhere between Jilly Cooper and Ranulph Fiennes... an archetypal British survivor'.

"Diving with sharks was officially number 97 on my list of 101 new challenges for charity, but it meant so much more to me than that," said Rosie this week.

"I've dreamed of diving and seeing fish in their environment ever since I sailed across the Atlantic alone and I was so pleased to learn a little about what goes on beneath the surface.

"I have never been beneath the surface before, except when snorkelling, and to actually look at those lovely sharks and other fish - including the sweet little ones - face to face was a huge privilege."

Blue Planet Aquarium is home to Europe's largest collection of sharks. There are no fewer than 30 different species of sharks and rays on display, ranging from native bull huss and dogfish to exotic guitar sharks.

After completing her challenge, Rosie was delighted that the Ellsmere Port aquarium agreed to donate the proceeds of its face painting in January and February to Tinkers Hill Bird of Prey and Swan Rescue Centre at Amroth - a charity close to Rosie's heart.

This was Rosie's fifth challenge so far. She has already flown an aeroplane upside down, been wing walking, swam at three different Pembrokeshire beaches on three different days in the recent cold snap, and worked with Crisis at Christmas in London.

"I was so sorry I missed the Boxing Day Swim, but I was there in spirit," said Rosie.

"I did my own swims in Tenby (twice), Saundersfoot and Amroth prior to launch the festive season so I did not miss out," she continued.

"As well as seeing my family at Christmas, I also worked with Crisis at Christmas after being inspired by the Salvation Army and my friends and neighbours, Tracy and Steve."

Flying the aeroplane was the most exciting thing Rosie has done, along with diving with the sharks and her world adventure.

Continued Rosie: "When I went flying, the pilot kindly let me take the controls. I was able to loop the loop by myself, to make the plane stand up on its tail and then flip over backwards and up again. Best of all was turning the plane upside down and actually flying it upside down with my bottom (well strapped in!) pointing up from planet earth - and my hair hanging down!

"I love flying now and my instructor, renowned combat strike pilot and champion racer Nitro, alias Robert Miller, said you are never too old to learn!

"I want to fly around the world after I gain my private pilot's licence. Just getting the qualifications will take some time as I have to save up for this by earning money through doing my talks etc! But that will be fun too."

Added Rosie: "The point is, I want to encourage people to do whatever they long to do most. I think if I can succeed - then anyone can do anything at all. The purpose of these challenges is learning and sharing. I am lucky to have had such an amazing life. Life is precious and I am desperately lucky to have my health and wellbeing. Every day is a gift."

Next Rosie plans to attain her advanced driver's certificate and go rally driving!

Other challenges include abseiling, flying a microlight plane across the English channel and paragliding.