A CANDLE lit walk is being held to mark the first anniversary of the death of a Pendle teenager.

At least 100 people are expected to attend the event, which will take place at Lake Burwain in Foulridge where James Goodship lost his life on June 22 last year.

The event which has been organised by his family, will see his loved ones walk around the lake carrying candles in glass jars.

Following the procession, lotus flower floating tributes will be released across the lake.

17-year-old James from Colne died after he got into difficulties whilst riding on a makeshift wooden raft with a group of friends at the lake, at the start of drowning prevention week.

He is thought to have gone under water just 40 yards from the shore.

His mum Mel Goodship said: "We wanted to do something to mark the first anniversary since he died and thought that a candle lit walk around the lake would be something where all his family and friends could pay their respects.

"We are going to be meeting at the bench where they laid floral tributes after his death at 7pm on Monday June 22, and will walk around the lake which we are expecting to take around an hour.

"After that we will be releasing floral lotus tributes into the water.

"The walk is open to anyone who knew James and to the local community who have been a tremendous support after his death."

Since the tragedy his parents have worked with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to raise awareness of dangers of swimming in open water.

In April they launched an educational package called ‘Dying for a Dip’, which features two videos that take an emotional look back at what happened that day, one from his family’s point of view and one from that of his friends.

Mel added: "The campaign is going really well, I have talked to a number of different groups and the fire service have been in to schools.

"The more people that we can get the message across to the better."

Donations of glass jars are being sought for the walk. The jars need to be around the size of a jam jar and can be left at Colne Tyre Centre for collection by Friday by the family.

For more information about the campaign go to www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/2015/04/dying-for-a-dip-water-safety-campaign/