GRIEVING father Iain Readshaw is appealing to a North-East employer to help his family through its darkest hours.

Devastated by the loss of a second child in a swimming incident, all Mr Readshaw wants for the future is to find a job near his home in Ferryhill, County Durham, instead of working away as he does now.

Mr Readshaw, 37, and his wife, Marie, will bury their only son, Daniel, on Monday.

The 13-year-old died a week ago after getting into difficulties in the pool at St John's RC School, Bishop Auckland.

In 2001, the couple's oldest daughter, Anne-Marie, was the same age when she drowned in a similar incident at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

With three younger daughters, Nicole, 11, Catherine, ten and Rachel, seven, to care for, Mr Readshaw is desperate to stay at home during the week.

He works with a cable laying gang and can be sent anywhere in the UK, leaving his wife to cope alone.

For the past few months they have devoted themselves to nursing and supporting Catherine, who has leuk-aemia and has needed long spells in a Newcastle hospital after undergoing a bone marrow transplant from Nicole.

Mr Readshaw said: "It would make a massive difference if I could be home every night with Marie and the children, and sleep in my own bed."

His brother-in-law, Vince Conroy, said that Mr Readshaw did not expect any favours.

He said: "He feels he has a lot to offer. He is fit and hardworking and would do any job well.

"He doesn't expect special treatment. All he wants is a job somewhere in the North-East so he can support his family."

Daniel's funeral will be held at All Saints' Church, Ferryhill, at 10am on Monday.

A police and Health and Safety Executive investigation is trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Detectives have questioned pupils and school staff.

The inquiry cannot be completed until the cause of death has been established, probably in the New Year.