MAJOR Charles Ingram from Easterton, near Devizes, has recovered from a disappointing start in the Channel Four reality TV show The Games to stay in touch with the leaders in the celebrity sports contest.

Major Ingram had a disastrous opening performance on Monday in the wrestling, being thrown by Romeo, who took an early lead in the competition.

Worse than that, the tussle with Romeo left him with a hamstring strain that required attention from the programme's physiotherapist. But after some treatment he was fit enough to go ahead with Tuesday night's diving competition.

Major Ingram had to overcome a fear of heights to tackle dives from the 15 metre board.

However, in the heats he missed his entry and splashed awkwardly into the pool.

But he rose to the occasion on the final and earned himself 50 points to be joint leader with Mr Gay UK.

But that was before the former Boyzone star Shane Lynch took to the poolside.

His superb dive clinched the event for him and puts him in a very commanding position in the contest.

But Major Ingram, the oldest contestant in the show at 40, is still in with a chance of being runner-up to him with the weight-lifting and speed skating still to come.

Among the women competitors Lady Isabella Hervey is looking very strong, especially after her performance in the 50 metre freestyle race last night.

She added five points and a personal best bonus to her tally, challenging Blue Peter presenter Katy Hill and former model Linda Lusardi for the top spot.

But the programme makers seemed much more interested in a behind-the-scenes spat between Ms Hill and Lady Isabella, after Ms Hill inadvertently called her Victoria, her more famous sister.

Hidden cameras in the athletes' "village" caught the whole row, including an attempt to make up and be friends which was not entirely successful.

Meanwhile, Major Ingram is still hoping to run the London Marathon on Sunday, the day after his gruelling week on The Games comes to an end.

A niggling knee injury does not seem to be causing him any problems on the programme.

He is raising sponsorship for his marathon effort which will go to Sense, the charity for people who are deafblind or have associated disabilities.