THE schoolboy who died in a fishing accident near Worcester has been named as Christopher Whitehead High School pupil Nathan Spiers.

Staff at the school said they were doing all they could to help pupils cope with the tragedy.

Fourteen-year-old Nathan is believed to have fallen into difficulties while fishing with friends in Lower Broadheath, on Monday night.

He was a Year 9 pupil at the St John's school and a letter has been circulated to parents.

"A number of students are understandably upset and all staff at the school are doing all they can to support and help," headteacher Allan Foulds wrote in the letter.

"I'm sure you will understand that, as far as possible, our school will need to continue its business as normal in the difficult days ahead.

"This stability is necessary for those least affected and clearly helpful for others too.

"I have been in direct contact with Nathan's family and the school's support and response will, of course, continue to fully respect their wishes.

"I know you will join me in offering our deepest sympathies to Nathan's family and friends at this sad time."

The youngster is thought to have waded into the shallow water to retrieve a fishing float and found himself in difficulties.

Ambulance and fire crews scrambled to the scene but were unable to resuscitate the schoolboy.

Today, the owner of the fishing complex revealed that, ironically, the site was regularly used to host memorial matches.

John Jordan said that, as a mark of respect, the pool would now be shut until after Nathan's funeral.

"I'm very sorry for the boy's family and friends. It's ironic that someone so young should lose their life where a number of memorial matches have been held for people who have died naturally," he added.