A FACEBOOK group paying tribute to Colne teenager James Goodship now has more than 3,700 likes.

The 17-year-old died after a group of seven teenagers got into trouble while floating on a ‘raft’ on Lake Burwain, in Foulridge, on Sunday night.

Hundreds of people have left messages on the social networking site, offering condolences to James’s family.

James, who lived in Colne, was a former Park High School student and had recently finished a plumb-ing course at Burnley College.

Pendle East County Councillor Paul White, a governor at Park High School, said: “This is an absolute tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers are with James’s family and friends.

“I wasn’t aware that there was a particular issue with swimming in Lake Burwain, but it is something we as a community will have to look at closely.

“James was on the cusp of adulthood, with his life ahead of him. My thoughts are with his teachers, and pupils past and present at Park High School who knew him.

“I would like to make a plea to everyone in Pendle: do not go swimming in any open water.”

Pendle Council leader, Coun Joe Cooney said: “The death of James Goodship has come as a real shock to the community. I send my condolences to his family and friends. I knew of James from my work with the Sports Development Team at Pendle Leisure Trust, though I didn’t know him well.”

Friends of James are planning a fundraising run or walk in his memory, possibly this Sunday, walking from Colne town centre to Lake Burwain.