THE death of a teenager in a North-East river has led to a lasting legacy to his community.
David Steel, 15, of Thornaby, near Stockton, died after falling into the River Leven in December 2002.
His family donated £150 to the Water Rescue Team at Thornaby Fire Station, which used the cash to buy 250 books on water safety for schools.
The book, Theodore the Water-wise Cat, written by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, went to primary schools to show youngsters the dangers of water, as part of the national syllabus requirements on personal safety.
Thornaby Fire Station manager Barry Waller said: "David was rescued from the river but died later. His family raised funds for the fire station to thank the Water Rescue Team for their efforts in trying to save their son and we decided that the best way to use the legacy was to buy books which would help in our community education work.
"Last year the team responded to 30 incidents, from rescues in the River Tees to severe flooding incidents throughout the brigade area."
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