A North-East community was united yesterday in offering support and comfort to a family shattered by the tragic death of their son.

Daniel Readshaw, 13, died during a swimming lesson at his school in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, only two years after his sister, Anne-Marie, lost her life in similar circumstances.

The same family, who live in Ferryhill, also have a ten-year-old daughter, Catherine, who is responding to treatment for leukaemia.

Yesterday, local people admitted they found it hard to believe one family has had to endure so much tragedy.

"Every person I have spoken to about it is still in shock," said newsagents assistant Michelle Dunn.

The family's priest, Father Brian Murphy, added: "Like everyone I have spoken to, I couldn't believe the same thing could happen to one family.

"The community is finding it difficult to comprehend - people feel bewildered."

Anne-Marie was also 13 when she died during a swimming session at the leisure centre in Spennymoor in 2001.

Yesterday, pupils and staff at St John's Roman Catholic School, where Daniel was a popular pupil, held a special Mass in his memory.

Breaking off from a busy day of engagements, Prime Minister Tony Blair also sent a personal message of sympathy to Daniel's family.