As the presenter on Five's Great Ocean Adventure series, former Royal Marines officer Monty, a trained marine biologist, is used to getting up close and personal with some of the world's most stunning marine wildlife in its natural habitat.

So even Europe's largest collection of sharks was unlikely to faze him when he shared some of his most breathtaking marine experiences with Blue Planet Aquarium's most loyal friends and supporters from over the past decade.

Monty said: "I've always been fascinated by the oceans and all their wildlife, and love nothing more than being underwater and sharing their habitat with them.

"Destinations like the Blue Planet are vital as they make this unique and incredible experience accessible for everyone.

"With the main tank containing everything from 10ft sand tiger sharks to stunning Caribbean coral reefs, you're able to get a truly genuine feel for marine life.

"But while those encounters are exhilarating, actually looking at the small stuff shows there are amazing things happening at every level, which is why visits to an aquarium like this can be so valuable and enlightening."

As well as hearing about Monty's adventures, guests at the gala dinner also heard from Blue Planet Aquarium's park director Andy Hygate and finance director Sue Elaiho.