Lifeguard call for tragedy-hit beach

Jordan died after being swept into the sea off Hartlepool

Pressure is growing on Hartlepool Council to bring back lifeguards at a beach where an eight-year-old boy drowned last year.

A 5,000 name petition presented to the authority will be considered by the mayor later this week.

Jordan Moon, from Hartlepool, died in August when he was swept away by a wave as he played in the sea at nearby Seaton Carew.

It later emerged that lifeguards had been withdrawn from the beach in 2001 to save £40,000.

A petition, organised by local newspaper the Hartlepool Mail, has been handed in to councillors.

Hartlepool mayor, Stuart Drummond, said: "If we do bring them back then we need to cover every base and make sure it is not a half-cocked service."

The Royal Lifesaving Society is currently carrying out an assessment of what is required and how much it will cost.

Mr Drummond added: "Everyone I have spoken to in the town thinks that the lifeguards should be back so hopefully people will see sense and agree for it to go through the budget."