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A disabled scuba diver says he has invented the world's first affordable self-propelled underwater wheelchair.

The brainchild of Igor Skikevich, 51, is about to go into full production.

He recently signed a deal with a factory which is to start mass manufacturing his invention which he calls the 'submarine-wheelchair'.

The specially-adapted wheelchairs will go on sale to the public for around 70,000 RUB (£860).

(Image: CEN)

Skikevich is from the city of Taganrog in south-western Russia's Rostov Oblast region.

Disabled British artist Sue Austin is credited with creating the world's first self-propelled underwater wheelchair but her invention costs around 600,000 RUB (£7,400).

Mr Skikevich developed a way of attaching engine-powered propellers to both wheels of his chair as he wanted to cover more distance underwater.

(Image: CEN) (Image: CEN)

The oxygen tank is mounted onto the back of the wheelchair which is also fitted with special straps to keep the diver safely in place.

Mr Skikevich said: "I came up with the idea after a diving trip to the Sea of Japan last year.

"I thought that if I could just find a way of mounting some engines onto my wheelchair I would be able to move so much further underwater."

Mr Skikevich became disabled nine years ago after doctors wrongly diagnosed his condition, missing a problem with one of the vertebrae in his neck.

Doctors feared he would be left totally paralysed but he proved them wrong.