THE PARENTS of tragic Fleetwood schoolboy - Max Palmer - have spoken of their support for a new report urging teachers to continue planning out-of-class activities.

In a joint statement released at the launch of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) web report into the death of their 10-year-old son on Wednesday - Mark and Patricia Palmer - said: "It has never been our belief that school trips should cease as a result of Max's death.

"We have always maintained that they form an important part of a child's development and education.

"However, it is crucial that all the necessary safety and supervision measures should be in place and should be strictly adhered to.

"We are pleased that the report covers not just the events at the pool, but also the wider management issues, so that other people involved in the management of school trips can learn from the organisational shortcomings identified by the investigation.

"Our family is left with special memories of a truly exceptional and brave little boy.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has contributed to this website.

"We are also pleased that Lancashire County Council has acknowledged its own shortcomings where it was appropriate and has worked with the HSE to improve the systems for managing educational visits, both within the school and much wider."

Max - a pupil at Shakespeare Primary School in the port - drowned after getting into difficulties while 'pool plunging' at Glenridding Beck, Cumbria, during an adventure weekend organised by staff at Fleetwood High School.

The youngster - who had joined his mother on the trip - was overcome by icy temperatures and eventually swept away by the flooded river despite attempts to save him by both Mrs Palmer and trip organiser and teacher, Paul Ellis.

An "extensive" HSE and Cumbria Police investigation into the tragedy was launched immediately and Ellis was jailed for one year in September 2003 after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

A further HSE investigation into the incident, in July 2004, concluded that Lancashire County Council was not to blame in its role as the Local Education Authority.

The latest HSE report - which is published online only - concentrated on "sharing the lessons learnt" by Max's death.

According to the report the HSE still "believes very strongly in the educational value of school trips" and aims to "provide practical advice" to those in charge of arranging field trip activities in schools.

HSE's Head of Operations in the North West, Peter Baker said: "This tragedy should not cloud the fact that the vast majority of educational visits are excellently run by committed and professional teachers.

"They are of immense value to children. On the very rare occasions when things go seriously wrong, it is important that we learn the lessons.

"I would urge anybody who has an interest in educational visits, particularly those involving adventurous activities, to read the report."

Deputy Director General of the HSE, Justin McCracken said: "HSE believes that school trips are a vital part of a child's education.

"It would be a sad day if misplaced risk aversion deprived them of such opportunities.

"On the contrary, adventure activities provide the ideal opportunity to make children 'risk aware' by involving them in practical decision-making in challenging environments.

"HSE will continue to champion the message that sensible health and safety is about managing the risk rather than eliminating it.

"We applaud those teachers and helpers who give their time and energy to follow best practice and do the job safely and properly.

"Long may well-planned educational visits continue."

o The Glenridding Beck report can be seen www.hse.gov.uk/schooltrips