NO criminal charges will be brought against the fire service following the death of Ramsbottom firefighter Paul Metcalf three years ago.

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided not to prosecute Greater Manchester Fire Service for corporate manslaughter but the Health and Safety Executive are still considering whether to take action.

Part-time firefighter Sub Officer Paul Metcalf (40), of Whalley Road, Shuttleworth, drowned in September 1999 when he tried to save 15-year-old schoolboy Reyaz Ali who had fallen in to Simon's Lodge in Redisher Woods.

An inquest into Mr Metcalf's death returned an open verdict and one of misadventure for Reyaz, a pupil at Darul Uloom College in Holcombe Brook.

A further investigation into the incident by the fire service itself revealed that there was no set procedure for water rescues.

Mr Metcalf's family said the right decision had been reached, stating that charges of manslaughter would not achieve anything. His brother Michel did, however urge the Health and Safety Executive, to take action, saying it would be more productive and would go someway to preventing similar tragedies.

Sub officer Paul Metcalf will be one of many fire officers remembered on Sunday, September 8, as firefighters nationwide wear a commemorative ribbon in memory of colleagues who have died on duty, including all those who perished on September 11.

Members of the public are asked to support this year's British Firefighters Memorial Day and wear a ribbon which will be available at fire stations.

Donations of £1 will go to Fire Services National Benevolent Fund and Firefighters' Memorial Charitable Trust.