A teacher has denied causing the death of a 10-year-old schoolboy during a field trip to the Lake District.

Geography teacher Paul Ellis, 42, pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Max Palmer, who died at a plunge pool at Glenridding in May 2001.

His mother Patricia tried to save him and was swept downstream with him by the strong current.

Mr Ellis pleaded guilty to a Health and Safety offence of failing to take effective measures to prevent physical injury.

Teaching assistant

Mr Ellis, from Norbeck Road, in Thornton, near Blackpool, was at Preston Crown Court.

Max was a pupil at Shakespeare Primary in Fleetwood and was accompanying his mother - a teaching assistant at Fleetwood High School - on the trip for older pupils.

Mr Ellis was granted unconditional bail by Mr Justice Penry-Davey.

Mr Justice Penry-Davey adjourned the case for trial at Carlisle Crown Court in January 2004.