A 50-YEAR-OLD teacher, whose body was discovered face down in the River Ribble, drowned -- probably after falling and banging his head.

An inquest heard that Peter Ormerod had several minor bumps and abrasions on his face and head.

And Home Office pathologist Dr William Lawler , who gave the medical cause of death as drowning, said it was possible the father-of-three could have been stunned by the fall before inhaling water.

Mr Ormerod, of Fernlea Drive, Clayton-le-Moors, went fishing with his son Thomas, 23, during the Easter holidays.

His wife Gillian had dropped them off near the Aspinall Arms, Mitton Road, Mitton, nearWhalley, in the morning and went back to collect Thomas at 2pm because he wasn't feeling well. Mr Ormerod said he was going to carry on fishing and asked his wife to return at 5.30pm, the inquest was told. But when they returned there was no sign of Mr Ormerod.

As they searched the bank Mrs Ormerod said she saw what she described as a "funny shaped rock" on the opposite side of the river.

But as she got closer recognised the shape of a foot.

"We swam and waded across and found my husband in the water," said Mrs Ormerod. "Thomas dragged him out and I gave him the kiss of life."

But when paramedics arrived Mr Ormerod was dead.

As well as his wife and son Mr Ormerod leaves two daughters, Sarah, 25, and Hannah, 17.

A keen Burnley fan, Mr Ormerod taught at Moorhead School, Accrington, for 20 years before joining the staff at Bowland High School, Grindleton, last September.

Deputy coroner Carolyn Singleton, recording a verdict of accidental death said Mr Ormerod's death in such tragic circumstances must have been traumatic for the whole family.