A scuba diver from Borehamwood has broken the world record for the longest ever open water dive, by staying underwater for more than 24 hours.

Diving instructor Will Goodman, 28, from Stapleton Road, broke the record just off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, while training for his ultimate goal of spending an entire week underwater, which he is planning to do next month.

But, as he emerged from the sea in Gili Trawangan on Monday last week, he was greeted by hundreds of cheering locals waving banners and screaming in the streets, and local television crews.

"I couldn't believe it. I came up and there were children screaming my name and press everywhere," he said.

"It was all very surreal and I was understandably very disorientated but the adrenalin was amazing."

When Will was under the water, he played games such as hangman and poker with other divers, read a book of short stories and managed to consume boiled eggs, potatoes, bananas and energy drinks — all of which were pushed through plastic straws.

"It wasn't easy," he said. "At one point, I got so cold, I had four people hanging onto each limb to warm me up and had to get some special massages while I was under there. I was in a semi-dry wet suit so the freezing cold water was touching every limb.

"I had to cover my entire body with vaseline before I went in to fend off any extreme wrinkling and protect my skin."

In order to qualify for the Guinness world record, Will had to stay at least ten meters below the surface at all times and none of his equipment was allowed to touch the surface of the sea.

"I managed to doze off for ten minutes here and there but didn't get any proper sleep.

"I had a brilliant support crew who were with me every step of the way and I just can't wait to do the full week. I have a lot more training to do but hopefully I can get my name in the record books twice this year, which will be amazing."

• this is Hertfordshire