THE parents of a teenager who drowned in a reservoir have thanked his friends for making a desperate attempt to save his life.

Friends of Darren Ian Dey dived in to Cod Beck Reservoir, near Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, but failed to save him.

Now his parents, who were given the news while on holiday in Cyprus, have told of their devastation.

Darren, from Yarm, near Stockton, had been enjoying a day out with friends on Sunday when he decided to take a swim.

Although he was a good swimmer it is thought he did not realise the effect the cold water would have on him.

He got into trouble at about 2pm and his friends, including a teenage girl, dived into the water in a failed attempt to save him.

Darren's parents, Chris and Mandy Foster, said they had endured a nightmare few days as they were trapped in Cyprus unable to get a flight home.

Eventually Post Office Insurance Services stepped in to secure them places on a late-night flight.

In a statement, they said: "Darren was a typical 17-year-old young man, full of life but also just beginning his life.

"We are all devastated. Darren was a very well behaved lad. He was never any bother to anyone with lots of friends, well-liked and always popular.

"He always tried hard in life and was always working and looking for more work, working days and evenings to try and create a good lifestyle for himself and his future."

A former pupil at Conyers School in Yarm, Darren enjoyed music, cooking and sports, including golf, cycling and swimming.

He had recently started a full-time job at a call centre.

Mr and Mrs Foster said they did not blame the authorities for not having more "no swimming" signs at the reservoir.

But they pleaded for other people not to swim anywhere not officially designated as safe.

In their statement, they said: "Our hearts go out to the people at the reservoir who saw it happen.

"Good night and God bless you, Darren, from all your family."