FRIENDS of a teenager who died in a fishing accident near Worcester have told how pals desperately struggled to save him.

Christopher Whitehead High School pupil Nathan Spiers is believed to have fallen into difficulties while fishing with friends in Lower Broadheath on Monday night.

Students and staff at the school were today struggling to come to terms with the tragedy - including his friends Daniel Smith and Scott Hyde. The two boys are creating a book of photographs and cuttings about the 14-year-old's achievements as a memorial.

A tearful Daniel said it would be a tribute to Nathan and he praised the bravery of those who tried to save him. Daniel was not with Nathan when he died but has since spoken to those who were at the scene.

He said he understood the Year 9 pupil had gone into the water to try and retrieve a float but the water came over his waders.

Other boys then struggled to keep him above water, but could not hold on to him for long.

Ambulance and fire crews were scrambled to the scene, but were unable to resuscitate Nathan, of Howard Road, Dines Green.

"They phoned the ambulance straight away when they saw he was in trouble," said Daniel, of Raleigh Close, Dines Green.

"They knew it would not get there in time so they had to jump into the water.

"I think he somehow got tangled up and his waders began to fill with water.

"They were very brave in trying to hold him up out of the water, but he was just too heavy."

Daniel said Nathan, who had an older brother, was a keen fisherman and footballer.

"I have been in every class at school with Nathan until this year. He was a really good friend," added Daniel.

An inquest into Nathan's death is likely to be opened on Monday.

n Opinion: P6