GREATER Manchester Fire Authority is to be prosecuted over the death of part-time Ramsbottom firefighter Paul Metcalf.

The Health and Safety Executive said it intended to prosecute Greater Manchester Fire and Civil Defence Authority over the September 1999 tragedy.

Mr Metcalf, from Whalley Road, Shuttleworth, drowned after his lifeline became snagged on branches as he tried in vain to save 16-year-old Reyaz Ali from a lake at Simon's Lodge, Holcombe Brook.

Reyaz, a New Zealander studying at the nearby Darul Uloom Islamic College, was with friends when he swung on a rope into the lake. His body was recovered later.

An open verdict was returned after a six-day long inquest on the first anniversary of the disaster.

News of the HSE prosecution comes just weeks after an internal investigation was launched into claims that the boss of Greater Manchester Fire Service, County Fire Office Barry Dixon from Whitefield, was neglectful in relation to the failed and tragic rescue attempt.

Announcing the legal action, a spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said: "The prosecution will be concerned with breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974."

The maximum fine in a magistrates' court for breaching the Act is £20,000. The maximum penalty at Crown Court is an unlimited fine.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Fire Authority said: "Since the death of Sub Officer Metcalf, Greater Manchester Fire Authority has fully co-operated with the inquiries of the Health and Safety Executive.

"The Fire Authority is unable to comment on the specifics of any prosecution at this time." A trial date has yet to be set.