AN adventure for four young Carlisle friends on a warm summer's day ended in tragedy with two of them dying, an inquest heard.

The man who tried to save the youngsters who had been playing in the River Eden was praised for his bravery and will be recommended for an award.

Two inquests were held in Cockermouth Coroners' Court on Tuesday.

Lewis Kirkpatrick, 15, from Carlisle, died on May 26. Jaden Doyle, 14, from Carlisle, died on June 15, at Jigsaw Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

Coroner Nicholas Shaw heard tributes to the much-loved boys, who were both pupils at Richard Rose Central Academy.

Jaden's mother, Melanie, said: "Jaden and Lewis were the best of friends. They had many trips out with each other's families. They grew up together and passed away together."

Dr Shaw heard a statement from Luke Marwood, who had been enjoying a riverside picnic nearby with his daughters and partner.

They had been aware of the boys "playing happily" in the water, off Warwick Road. As they set off home the couple heard cries for help.

Luke went into the water to help and also ended up being submerged. He managed to pull one of the boys, who survived, out of the river.

Dr Shaw commended him. "I regard Luke's actions as very brave. I propose to write to the secretary of the Royal Humane Society, bring this to his attention.

"If there's a medal, I think he deserves one."

The inquest heard that a police officer went into the water and pulled out Jaden, who was unconscious. He was airlifted to Newcastle's RVI.

"They did absolutely everything but he had sustained brain damage," said Dr Shaw.

Lewis's body was found the following day by a police dive team.

Dr Shaw concluded that both deaths were a result of misadventure.

"They were having an adventure, it went wrong," he said.

"This is a desperately sad story. It was a Friday, school was out for the weekend, the weather was particularly warm and sunny.

"These four boys have gone to the river to cool off. I know we need to be very careful about water safety but this is what boys do.

"The river water is cold, it flows quickly and has currents. There have been other deaths in the River Eden.

"I do not think one can criticise them for a moment. They got a bit far out and got into difficulties, the current took them."

Full report in The Cumberland News on Friday.