COLIN DODDS was last night described as “cheeky and loveable” by a police officer who has been so moved by his death that she has set up a fund to comfort his grieving family.

Police Community Support Officer Nicola Shaw, whose beat covered Woodhouse Close Estate, in Bishop Auckland, remembered him as a youngster who “it was worth taking the time to get to know”.

She has joined forces with local businesswoman Trudi Stamp to create a fund for Colin’s family.

“I had a lot of time for him and he always had time to speak to me,” she said.

“The family have already been through so much, so for this to happen as well is unbearable.

“We just feel like we have to do something and maybe this fund can help his family either get counselling or just give them a chance to get away for a while.”

Hundreds of Colin’s friends have paid tribute to him on social networking site Facebook.

Becka Wilson said: “You always smiled, laughed and said nothing to hurt anyone.

You made me and every single person who knew you laugh.”

The tragedy has shocked the town where generations have swam in the Batts area of the River Wear.

Sam Zair, Durham county councillor for Bishop Auckland , said: “I have older people who come into my cafe and they remember swimming there. It has been done for generations.

“But we were always told about two dangerous spots where there were underwater hazards. It is such a tragedy this has happened and all my thoughts are with the family. It is every parent’s worst nightmare.”

It is understood Colin’s body was recovered from the bottom of a pool known locally as 21 Foot, due to its depth.

Reverend Brenda Jones of Woodhouse Close Church, who conducted Colin’s brother’s funeral three years ago, said the family was devastated.

“This has been utterly heartbreaking for them. It is so sad. But the community is rallying round to offer their support,” she said.

The son of town mayor Charlie Kay went to Bishop Barrington School with Colin and the pair had both recently started at the town’s college.

Councillor Kay said: “As a father with a 16-year-old, it sickens you to even think of this sort of thing. Tragedy is too weak a word.”

Police were joined in the search by the Great North Air Ambulance, the force’s helicopter and a Sea King helicopter from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland as well as specialist river units from the fire service and the Teesdale and Weardale Mountain Search and Rescue team.

Chief Inspector Sukhsham Sahani said the hot weather had attracted the boys to the river and issued a warning to other people tempted to go in the water.

She said: “The River Wear is well known as being unpredictable – you can never estimate the current.

“The family is distraught.

It’s been a tragic end. The fact that we’ve been able to locate Colin sooner rather than later, may give them some comfort.”

  • For details on the fund in aid of Colin’s family call Ms Stamp on 07554-442663.

Teenager is second victim of river this year

TEENAGER Colin Dodds is the second youngster to drown in the River Wear this year.

In April, Ian Bell fell into the river near his home in Sunnybrow, four miles from Bishop Auckland.

His body was found nine days later under a bridge, about three miles from the spot where he fell in.

Following Ian’s death, the youngster’s family joined local councillors, residents, staff from Durham County Council and the fire service to discuss ways of ensuring the tragedy was never repeated.

One of the main priorities of the group is be to educate children and young people about the dangers of rivers, and to ensure that youngsters are taught what to do in an emergency.

It is hoped donations in memory of Ian totalling more than £2,000 will be used to buy equipment to rescue people who fall into the river.