TWO Worcester men who tried to save a disabled teenager as he drowned in Malvern's notorious Gullet Quarry have received commendations by Worcestershire's coroner.

Victor Round praised have-a-go heroes Robert Jones and Richard Fletcher after the pair leapt to the rescue of Andrew Pedlingham, who got into difficulties after jumping 40ft into the flooded quarry on Monday, September 2.

Mr Round told the inquest that the 17-year-old had cheered to onlookers after jumping into the notorious beauty spot at around 1.30pm, but then cried out for help as he started to swim back to the quarry's edge.

From a statement by Det Sgt Jon Wallis, of Worcester police, the inquest heard how the two city men had jumped in and attempted to hold the teenager 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 who were passing for trying to resuscitate the teenager, of Sayers Avenue, Malvern.

He said the quick-thinking and bravery of the two men, as well as the intervention of the paramedics, had resulted in a rapid rescue for which they all should be commended.

The teenager was flown to Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital by the Air Ambulance, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

"It's a skilled and dangerous matter trying to save someone," he said.

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

He said it was not possible to determine why the teenager had got into difficulties, but said his death had been "clearly" accidental.