PEOPLE in a town are rallying round to help pay for the funeral of a 16-year-old who died while swimming at a popular bathing spot.

Friends of Colin Dodds’ family set up a memorial fund in his name after the tragedy at the weekend.

Jason Heels, who runs Auckland Caravan Storage, plans to pay for any headstone the family wish for, and CMU Utilities donated £300 to the fund.

Mr Heels, who lives near the family on the Woodhouse Close estate, in Bishop Auckland , said that he was devastated by what had happened.

He said: “I have lived on the estate all my life and although I do not know them very well, I just felt like I should do something.

“This is just a little thing to do, but I am pleased I have done. It has been a big shock to everyone.”

The headstone will be made by Adrian Hopper at Auckland Memorials.

Mr Heels also plans to auction merchandise donated by Newcastle United footballer Steven Taylor .

Colin was with two friends in the River Wear at The Batts, in Bishop Auckland, when he got into difficulty at about 5.15pm on Saturday.

A large search and rescue operation, involving the police, fire brigade, specialist divers, mountain rescue volunteers and three helicopters, was launched, but Colin’s body was recovered from the bottom of a deep pool in the river at about 4.20am on Sunday.

More than 5,000 people have so far paid tribute to the youngster on the social networking website Facebook.

His father, also called Colin, posted: “My son would be so proud that he had so many friends and was in so many of your thoughts. Thanks very much.

“Rest In Peace son, I haven’t the words to express the way I feel at this moment in time xxx.”

A bank account is in the process of being set up, but until details are finalised, people are asked to hand donations in at Hogans, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland.