A GRIEVING mother has spoken of her loss after a young man drowned after he jumped into a quarry pool to cool off.

Andrew Cousins had gone to Greenfoot Quarry, Stanhope, to celebrate one of his closest friend's 22nd birthday.

Their high spirits and horseplay ended in tragedy when Mr Cousins stripped off and jumped into the water, failing to resurface.

Northumbria Police diving team was called in to search for the 22-year-old just after 2pm on Saturday. His body was recovered three hours later.

On Sunday, his mother Angela Hansom, whom he lived with in Wilson Street, Crook, said that Andrew was extremely popular and would be sadly missed.

She said: "He lived life to the full. He was adventurous and always the life and soul of the party.

"He never had any enemies. He was well liked and loved by so many people. I don't know what it is going to be like for everybody without him.''

Mrs Hansom said that Andrew's step-dad Philip, brother Carl, 18; step-brother Dean, 17 and step-sister Hayley, 15, were devastated.

She said: "We are such a close-knit family. He was very close to his brothers and sister. We are going to miss him.''

Andrew worked with his father Trevor in the family business, C&C Block Paving in Newton Aycliffe.

Known as Cuz, his mother said he was never without his cap and was someone who loved partying and going out with his friends. On Saturday morning he and close friends John Pilkington and David Blair decided to go to the quarry to celebrate David's birthday.

Mrs Hansom said: "They were all here on Saturday morning laughing and joking. John is visiting from America. They were really having a laugh. They did not leave here until 1pm. It all happened so quickly. His friends are really upset.''

The tragedy has sparked calls from firefighters and police for people to be more aware of dangers when going into the water on hot summer days. Station officer Stuart Errington, who attended the accident, said: "People do not seem to realise that even though the weather is warm the water can be extremely cold and that is enough to put your body into shock and make you struggle.

"It is extremely hazardous to jump into any water course - rivers, lakes, quarries, whatever.''

Acting Inspector Chris Thompson , of Bishop Auckland Police, re-enforced the warning. He said: "Particularly at this time of year when it is warm, any stretch of water can look enticing and inviting. But people do not know what they are jumping into."