Schoolboy drowned in waterfall

Christopher Turnbull's body was recovered after a six-hour search

A rugby-loving schoolboy from Colwyn Bay drowned after sliding 10ft (3m) down a Snowdonia waterfall into a deep pool, a Llandudno inquest has heard.

Christopher Turnbull, 15, from Rhos on Sea, was with friends at Pont Cyfyng Falls near Capel Curig, Conwy, when the accident happened last August.

Deborah Turnbull told the inquest her son had everything to live for and was just starting to enter his prime.

An accidental death verdict was recorded.

Coroner John Hughes heard written evidence from one of Christopher's friends - who could not be named because of his age - that he had tried to stop him because he thought it was too dangerous.

The same friend then saw that Christopher had become trapped in the fast flowing water and jumped in to help him, only to be forced back.

Barmy army

His body was recovered later the same day by police divers.

Recording his verdict the coroner said: "This was a desperately sad event that had arisen out of high spirits."

After the inquest Mrs Turnbull said she had so far raised £5,000 as part of a river safety campaign.

"We have a raft ready with Christopher Turnbull's barmy army on it," she said.

The raft will be donated to Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team.