THREE children and a dog walker who tried in vain to rescue a ten-year-old girl from drowning were praised for their efforts yesterday.

An inquest heard how they made desperate attempts to save non-swimmer Caroline Nicholson.

But despite their efforts, she drowned in the River Swale, in Catterick Village, North Yorkshire, on July 10.

The inquest, at Richmond Town Hall, heard how Caroline had gone to the river for a picnic with her mother, Phyllis, also a non-swimmer.

In a statement to police, Mrs Nicholson said: "Caroline was just paddling on the edge of the river.

"I kept telling her not to go too far, but she ignored me.

"She had a habit of ignoring me and not doing what I told her.

"Caroline then just disappeared under water, and I could not see her anymore."

John Proudlock was walking his dog nearby and was alerted by Mrs Nicholson' cries.

He dived in and was joined by three local teenagers, Sam Elsworth, Matthew Dixon and Thomas Keegan, who helped search for Caroline.

Mr Proudlock found her in 7ft of water soon after.

However, she had been underwater for up to ten minutes. He pulled her to the bank and tried to resuscitate her.

Paramedics and an off-duty nurse took over, but Caroline was pronounced dead at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Geoff Fell said the tragedy highlighted the importance of learning to swim.

He said: "The real tragedy is that if somebody was at the scene who could swim, I doubt we would be here today.

"I have written to Mr Proudlock and the three boys.

"I told them that the fact they did not succeed in no way detracts from the highly commended action that they took.

"Rivers might look attractive and inviting, but they can be deceptive.

"I do not want to be seen as some sort of killjoy, and by all means if you want to play in a river, then go ahead, but please be aware of the risks.