A MALVERN teenager who drowned at the Gullet Quarry in the Malvern Hills died accidentally, a coroner has ruled.

Andrew Pedlingham, aged 17, of Sayers Avenue, died on September 2, after jumping 40ft into the flooded quarry.

County coroner Victor Round commended Robert Jones and Richard Fletcher, both of Worcester, for their efforts to save the young man.

The inquest heard how Mr Pedlingham had cheered to onlookers after jumping into the lake but then cried out for help as he swam back to the edge.

A statement by Detective Sergeant Jon Wallis said the two men from Worcester had jumped in and attempted to hold Mr Pedlingham above the water.

"Members of the public swam to help and attempted to support him in the water," said Mr Round.

"But the deceased was panicking and struggling and those trying to help him were also dragged under water.

"However, they managed to get him to the side, but the deceased was described as being unconscious with his eyes open."

Mr Round also praised two off-duty paramedics for trying to resuscitate Mr Pedlingham, who was flown to Selly Oak Hospital by the air ambulance. He was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Mr Round said: "It's a skilled and dangerous matter trying to save someone.

"Given the prompt action of the two men and the passing paramedics and Air Ambulance, it was an impressively rapid rescue operation."

Mr Round said it was not possible to determine why Mr Pedlingham had got into difficulties but that his death was clearly accidental.