Drowned boy, 12, 'had cheeky smile and bright spirit'
Family photographA 12-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty swimming in a river will be remembered for his "cheeky smile" and bright spirit", his former school has said.
Junior Slater, from Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancashire, had been swimming with friends at the River Ribble in Ribchester, at about 14:00 BST on Tuesday, Lancashire Police said.
His body was recovered shortly before 20:00 after a major search. On Wednesday, Junior's family said he was the "life and soul of our lives".
In a social media tribute, Blessed Sacrament Primary in Ribbleton, Preston, said Junior, who had finished Year 6 last year, had "left a lasting impression on both staff and students".
The school said: "Junior will be remembered for his smile, friendships, and the joy he brought to those around him."
"Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences are with his mum and wider family and friends at this incredibly difficult time," the statement added.
"As a school community, we stand together in remembering a young life taken far too soon."
In a tribute released by police, Junior's family said their "little blue-eyed boy" would be "truly missed".
"He was the life and soul of our lives," they added.
"Words can't describe how we are feeling right now. We will forever love you Junior."
Lancashire Police said Junior's death was not being treated as suspicious, and a file would be passed to the coroner.
'Death traps'
Junior's death is one of several fatal incidents across the UK involving water during the recent heatwave, prompting warnings of the dangers of swimming in open water.
Water safety campaigner Rebecca Ramsay, whose son Dylan drowned at Hill Top Quarry in Chorley, Lancashire, in 2011, said she was "heartbroken for all the families" who were now "enduring my nightmare".
She said all open water beauty spots could be "death traps" and no-one should risk their lives.
The Royal Life Saving Society has warned that water temperatures remained very cold despite increased air temperatures, and that cold water shock could make swimming difficult and harder to get out of the water.
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