Hannah was 13-years-old when she died

The inquest at Harrogate Magistrates' Court has already heard how Miss Nicholson experienced a rise in the level of Stainforth Beck during the morning's activities.

But she did not think it necessary to warn other groups.

Miss Nicholson agreed with Mr Cox that the new local authority guidelines meant that river walking now required supervision by someone with an appropriate qualification.

She also agreed that neither teacher on the fateful walk had had these qualifications.

Miss Nicholson told the jury that river walking involved children paddling in the margins of a stream.

Regular adventures

Later, another teacher from Royds School told the inquest he was due to lead the fateful walk but asked Mr Miller to step in as he had a heavy cold.

Stephen Woods, who said he has taught geography for more than 20 years, was in charge of the group of children staying at Ingleton Youth Hostel, one of four which was being used by the school during the week.

His group included Hannah and Rochelle.

Mr Woods said he had been on the residential adventure week for year nine pupils every year since about 1989 and had done the river walk in Stainforth Beck on many occasions.

He added that it was never his practice to check the water levels before setting off.

The inquest continues.