Pupils at The Forest School today listened to a powerful message on sea safety in Newquay following the death of 16-year-old Paddy Higgins.

Boys at the school in Winnersh heard from Geoff and Chris Brown, two former coastguards, about the realities of binge drinking while on holiday.

Former Forest pupil Paddy died while on a post-exams break with friends after falling off the cliffs at Tolcarne beach in July.

Paddy Higgins campaign means Newquay will be safer

Mr Brown, a Newquay councillor, and his wife, Christine, talked about recovering fatalities after falls from the cliffs, and the strain placed on the ambulance service.

The couple, who worked in coastal rescues for 25 years, realised many of the serious accidents and deaths at the seaside involved children from landlocked areas.

They hope to visit all 51 Berkshire secondary schools this term to give a talk to pupils considering a post-GCSE holiday this summer.

Gifted Paddy Higgins was a 'fantastic lad'

Mr and Mrs Brown discussed underage alcohol consumption and gave advice about drinking responsibly as well as showing shocking pictures of binge-drinking teens and the dangerous cliffs at the seaside resort.

See next Wednesday’s Wokingham Times for more.