Bereaved vicar thanks community

Tony Ballard drowned in the river after going swimming

A vicar whose teenage son drowned in the River Severn said he had been "truly overwhelmed" by the support offered from people in Worcester.

The Revd Duncan Ballard and his wife Ellie thanked people for sending cards and messages following the death of their 17-year-old son Tony on Monday.

"If ever a city could be said to be loving and supportive, it could be said of Worcester," their statement said.

Tony will be remembered at a service at Worcester Cathedral on 13 July.

'At peace'

The teenager from Worcester died after going swimming with three friends near the city's racecourse.

A memorial was held in Worcester on Friday

An air ambulance and two rescue boats were involved in the search for Tony after his friends raised the alarm when he got into difficulty.

On Friday, friends of the teenager attended memorials at Fort Royal Hill and by the river where he died. Flowers were also laid on the bank.

Many messages have also been left on the Facebook website.

Mr Ballard, vicar of St Philip and St James' Church in Whittington, said all the messages "mean so much to us".

"We have been truly overwhelmed by all the cards and messages of prayers, love and support from the city's churches and mosques; from people of all faiths and of none, from families, from friends and neighbours, and especially from the young people of Worcester."

Mr Ballard added: "We know that Tony is at peace within God's love."