RESCUE crews are still trying to recover the body of a North-East teenage kayaker who drowned when his boat got trapped under rocks in a fast-flowing river.

Attempts to release the 19-year-old from Cleveland failed yesterday as the torrent prevented the emergency services from reaching his kayak in the River Tay in Perthshire.

Police, fire crews and a rescue boat were back at the scene near Grandtully today, where the kayak could be seen on its side under a rock in the middle of the river.

Water levels remained high and conditions were said to be challenging rescuers, who were looking at different options of recovery.

The teenager was part of a group of kayakers from a club based in Cleveland.

Rescue crews, including a Royal Navy helicopter from HMS Gannet, spent almost six hours attempting to free the young man after he became trapped at around 1.30pm on Wednesday.

A slalom canoe event due to be held on the river has been cancelled as a mark of respect to his friends and family.