A regional daily has launched a new safety campaign backed by the family of a boy who died last month while swimming in a lake.

The Sentinel, Stoke, and its StokeonTrent Live sister website have launched their Swim Safer bid following the death of Ryan Evans.

The 13-year-old, pictured, died after getting into difficulty while swimming with friends at Westport Lake, on The Sentinel’s patch.

Ryan’s father Glynn Evans, 46, told The Sentinel he wanted the tragedy of his son to be used as an example to other young people of the dangers of open water swimming.

Mr Evans said: “I want Ryan to be remembered. I want him to be used an example to other kids of the dangers of swimming outdoors.

“I want parents to talk to their kids and for schools to say: ‘remember what happened to Ryan Evans’. I just want it to help… and for something good to come of this.”

The campaign is being backed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Staffordshire Police and the Royal Life Saving Society.

As part of the campaign, there will be a review of all open water venues owned by the city council.

In addition, hundreds of free swimming sessions are being offered to teach children how to be safe in and around water this summer.

Sentinel Editor Martin Tideswell said: “Our city came together spontaneously in the wake of Ryan’s disappearance and, subsequently, in support of his incredible family.

“This campaign represents a positive step to try to raise awareness of the dangers of open water and to help to keep children and young people safe as the schools break up for summer.

“We are enormously grateful to Glynn Evans and his family for endorsing the Swim Safer campaign. Their courage and fortitude at this time remains an example to us all.”