A GROUP of teenagers on a school outing almost drowned yesterday attempting to rescue two of their friends who had been swept out to sea.

An inquiry was last night under way after 12 of the party formed a human chain to try to reach the stricken pair - aged 14 and 17 - who were stranded on a sand bank 100 metres offshore at Druridge Bay, Northumberland.

But the would-be rescuers found themselves being pulled further and further from shore by a strong tide and the emergency services were alerted by mobile telephone.

The coastguard scrambled a Sea King helicopter from nearby RAF Boulmer, along with three lifeboats.

The helicopter winched the pair to safety and the others were rescued from the water by lifeboat crews.

Eight were then airlifted to nearby Wansbeck Hospital and a further five taken for treatment by ambulance.

One 13-year-old girl was later transferred to Newcastle General Hospital for observation. The rest were released after treatment and check-ups.

The group were among 31 students, aged between 13 and 17, with two women group leaders from Walker Technology College in Newcastle.

The drama happened only a few miles from where a five-year-old boy drowned on Wednesday after slipping into the sea at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. The same lifeboat crew called to that fatality were involved in yesterday's rescue.

The school pupils were planning an end-of-term barbecue on the beach and had set up a gazebo as they braved the wind and rain.

It is understood the drama began after two girls went for a swim in shorts and T-shirts.

They got into difficulties and ended up on the sand bank, with waves washing over them.One of the party leaders waded in to try and help while a human chain was formed.

Newbiggin Coastguard Station Officer Mike Bradley said: "In this case, these youngsters have been very, very lucky - we do not like to go out on too many of these potentially tragic situations.

"The sea was rough and there was lots of surf on the shore. Conditions were worsened by low visibility.

"When emergency services were called, the Sea King helicopter flew to the area but at first its pilot could not see either of the girls and my staff could not see them from the shore.

"However, we were able to communicate by radio with the chopper pilot and the girls were located.

"The winchman lifted both girls and landed them on the beach while officers from Newbiggin lifeboat, Amble inshore lifeboat and Amble offshore lifeboat began rescuing the youngsters that had got into difficulty from the shore."

He added: "I would like to advise people to take more care and respect the sea."

A hospital spokesman said: "The girl who is being detained has swallowed quite a bit of water and we wanted to take a look at her."

Education chiefs at Newcastle City Council have launched an inquiry.

Meanwhile, a North Yorkshire school has cancelled two overseas trips due to take place later this summer following the death of one of its students on a trekking holiday in the Italian Alps.

Harrogate Grammar School said it had decided to cancel the trips to France amid concerns for the "sensitivities" of those involved in the tragedy.

The body of Alex Foulkes, 17, was found on Wednesday.