Anyone with common sense would not have gone near the raging river

Rochelle's family

The two families spoke out after an inquest jury returned verdicts of accidental death on Friday.

Tony Sugare, a spokesman for the Black family, said: "While the jury have returned verdicts of accidental death in no way can this be interpreted that nobody was to blame for what happened.

"My clients feel that they entrusted the school with the safety of Hannah and they failed miserably to discharge their duty of care.

He said the family felt a "singular lack of common sense" was shown by the two teachers who led the children on the river walk.

This view was echoed by a spokesman for Rochelle's family.

The spokesman said: "We wish to express our disappointment and hurt at today's verdict.

They said the children were taken "river walking in treacherous conditions without proper supervision and the very minimum of safety equipment.

No forgiveness

"Anyone with common sense would not have gone near the raging river.

"This tragedy could have been so easily avoided if any thought or common sense had prevailed.

"We will never forgive those responsible."

Assistant North Yorkshire coroner John Sleightholme said after the verdicts that he would be contacting the Health and Safety Executive and Leeds Education Authority to call for action to prevent similar tragedies.

Peter Cornall, water safety manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) said: "We feel there is a real need for tighter controls to prevent further tragedies."

ROSPA has issued a series of suggestions for improved safety following the deaths of Rochelle and Hannah.

Jury observations

The group is hoping the recommendations will be included in a government review of safety on school trips.

The outing, which involved paddling along the river bed, was taken by teachers Andy Miller, 48, and Liz Schofield, 28.

Mr Sleightholme, concluded his summing up on the deaths of the girls on Friday morning before directing the jury to return verdicts of accidental death.

Mr Sleightholme, who will be writing to the authorities with his recommendations, said a verdict of unlawful death by gross negligence was not a viable option in the Royd's school case

Mr Sleightholme also encouraged members of the jury to write down any observations they might have.