'Huge hole' left by drowned boys

David Cullen (left) and Christopher Copland

The families of two Leeds teenagers who drowned in a lake say the pair were "loved by everyone".

Christopher Copland, 15, and David Cullen, 16 died after getting into difficulties in Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park on Wednesday.

A third boy saw his friends disappear in the water but could not reach them. An underwater search team recovered their bodies on Thursday.

Both families said on Saturday the boys would be sadly missed.

Chris would have done anything for anybody and had so much to offer. He was so bubbly and had a burning zest for life Christopher Copland's family

In a statement issued through West Yorkshire Police, the family of David Cullen said: "This is a difficult and traumatic time for our family and no words can describe how we feel at this time.

"David was loved by everyone who met him, we always had a constant flow of people at our door wanting to spend time with him.

"People could see what a wonderful and thoughtful person he was. He was always fun to be around and loved to make people laugh.

"He made friends easily and was very popular inside and outside of school.

"He affected many lives and will be missed by everyone. David has always been our hero and always will be."

Deep lake

Christopher Copland's family revealed the 15-year-old was a strong swimmer who was set to join the army once he turned 16.

"It is devastating to consider a future without Chris," they said.

"We are a very strong and close family, and the loss of Chris has left a hole in our lives that can never be replaced.

"Chris would have done anything for anybody and had so much to offer. He was so bubbly and had a burning zest for life.

"He was always surrounded by a huge group of friends. He was very popular and made everyone feel like his best friend.

"Losing Chris has left a gap in our family and now we have to concentrate on getting his brother and sister through this difficult time."

West Yorkshire Police said one of the boys had entered the lake and got into difficulties during hot weather early on Wednesday evening.

He was followed by the other, who also got into trouble and disappeared under the water.

The depth of water where the boys went in is up to six metres (19ft) deep, while Waterloo lake goes down to 40 metres (131ft) in places.