A seven-year-old schoolboy has died in a swimming pool at the start of a family holiday in Tenerife.

Benjamin Waters had just arrived at the Canary Island's popular Playa de Las Americas resort with his parents and older brother, Jordan, when tragedy struck.

The youngster's body was discovered in the pool by another holidaymaker at the apartment complex earlier this week. Efforts to resuscitate him failed.

Travel company Airtours flew the family back home and have offered them counselling and support.

His parents were today being comforted by relatives at their home on a small private housing estate in Penshaw, on the outskirts of Sunderland.

They have asked to be left alone to grieve and neighbours on the quiet housing estate have asked media not to approach the family home.

Benjamin and 11-year-old Jordan had started their summer break early to go on the holiday with their parents.

Their school, Farringdon Primary in Sunderland, was due to close today for the annual six-week break and staff are devastated by the tragedy.

Headteacher Joy Lynch said: ''He was a delightful little boy and everyone here is devastated, especially his class teacher.

''Ben was a bright, popular boy, full of fun and was a pleasure to teach.

''We taught Ben's brother as well and he actually left our school on Monday as today is the last day of term and he will be going on to junior school.''

A spokeswoman for Airtours said: ''We are deeply saddened and send our sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time."

The Foreign Office said it appeared to be a tragic accident.

Earlier this week, five-year-old Lewis Ashley died after falling into the sea while playing in the sunshine with friends at Newbiggin in Northumberland.

Less than 24 hours later, 12 pupils and one teacher had to be rushed to hospital after an end-of-term school trip almost ended in tragedy.

Two pupils from Walker Technology College in Newcastle became trapped in the sea and others in the party formed a human chain to try to rescue them before an RAF helicopter and lifeboats plucked them to safety from the Druridge Bay coastal beauty spot, near Newbiggin.