Safety warning over cess pits

Nathan Pringle was pulled from the cesspit by his father

Campsites are being given a safety warning after two men were convicted over the death of a boy who fell into a cesspit.

Nathan Pringle, four, died six days after falling into the pit at the Newperran Tourist Park near Newquay, Cornwall.

Environmental officials say the youngster's death has highlighted cesspits as potential hazards.

Two men were found guilty on Wednesday in connection with the death of Nathan, from Bracknell, Berkshire, after the incident in August 2001.

Nick Hibbett, head of environment and health at Restormel Borough Council, said: "If you have a good risk assessment done and you do it carefully, you should be picking up any danger on your site and this is just one of those.

"This may have been one of the least likely dangers, but it should have been picked up.

"Certainly as a result of this case we'd be expecting caravan sites to be looking carefully at their arrangements."

Michael Kelly, 68, who managed the tourist park, was convicted at Exeter Crown Court of manslaughter.

The Trevella Caravan Company, which owns the Newperran site, has admitted failing to ensure the health and safety of visitors.

A director of Trevella, Alan Frear 54, from Perranporth, Cornwall, was found guilty by the jury of failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety Act.

The two men and the company will be sentenced on Thursday.