A 20-year-old summer camp instructor who drowned in France has been described as “lively” and “popular” by staff at his former school.

Nathan Thackwray, from Yeadon, died at the weekend after apparently getting into trouble while in Lake Ardres, near Calais. The former St Mary’s School, Menston, pupil had spent time in France working for adventure holiday company Acorn, although the incident is understood not to be work-related.

Last night, a statement from the school said Mr Thackwray’s death had left everyone devastated. “The news of Nathan’s untimely death has devastated the whole school community,” the statement said. “Nathan is remembered as a lively, outgoing student, popular with both pupils and staff.”