A MOTHER has called for "Unsafe" warnings at a problem beach after her son was stricken by a virus.

After wading into the sea at Marske to retrieve his dog, Christopher McLeod, aged 15, of Pennyman's Walk, Marske, complained of feeling unwell.

His condition worsened, with a high temperature and sickness, and after more than a week of treatment by his doctor, he was admitted to hospital where specialists diagnosed hepatitis, gastric enteritis, inflamed liver and severe dehydration which resulted in the loss of nearly two stones in weight.

Mrs Susan McLeod told the D&S Times that her son was still very weak. He had been romping with his dog near the outflow pipe at the beach which has been the subject of concern over sewage spillage for years.

She said the consultants at the hospital confirmed that it was almost certain that the virus had been picked up in the sea water.

Mrs McLeod, who is a member of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, was at this week's meeting when Northumbrian Water officers discussed progress on a scheme to improve matters.

She said the company should warn people about going into the sea at Marske.

l Storm over sewage disposal: page 21.