Tribute to ‘full of fun’ teenager who drowned in reservoir

Thomas Barton, from Coppull, Lancashire, got into difficulties at Yarrow Valley Country Park in Chorley on Sunday.

Police were called to Birkacre Brow at about 7.40pm and were supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Northwest Ambulance Service, a mountain rescue team and park rangers.

Four of Thomas’s friends were reportedly stranded on a floating jetty but there was no sign of the missing teenager when emergency services arrived.

The water was searched by police divers who found Thomas’s body shortly after 11pm.

In a statement released by Lancashire Police, Thomas’s family said: “Thomas was very much loved and will be terribly missed by all of us. We are devastated.

“His mother Clare has lost her baby boy and his father Simon has lost his best friend.

“Thomas attended Holy Cross High School in Chorley where he was very popular and had lots of friends – he really valued their friendship.

“At school he enjoyed science and computers; he was so good natured and fun loving.

“He also really enjoyed going remote control racing in Blackpool with his father and brothers where they had lads’ days out and he used to love riding motor bikes and helping his dad repair them.”

Thomas is survived by his sister Rachel, 19, and brothers Matthew, 24, and Robert, 23, police said.

Earlier, his headteacher at Holy Cross, Wendy White, described the youngster as “full of fun”.

“He was a terrifically loyal friend and a very likeable young man who was always ready to help others.”