A JURY has heard details on Tuesday of the tragic death of fireman Paul Metcalf, who died trying to rescue a teenager from a Holcombe Brook lodge.

At the start of a three-week trial Greater Manchester Fire and Civil Defence Authority pleaded not guilty to a breach of Health and Safety rules ensuring the safety of its employees, including Sub-officer Metcalf, who died in September 1999.

A jury of seven women and five men has been sworn in and are expected to hear the case outlined by prosecuting counsel Tim Horlock, QC. A large number of witnesses are due to be called, including the Greater Manchester fire chief Barry Dixon.

Reyaz, a 15-year-old New Zealander studying at nearby Darul Uloom Islamic College, also died after swinging from a rope into the lake.

Mr Metcalf, 40, was a part-time fireman from Ramsbottom who worked for Greater Manchester Fire Service.

Bolton Crown Court heard that his employers had failed over a "lengthy period of time" to address risks associated with water rescues.

The brigade denies a breach of duty charge brought by the Health and Safety Executive under section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at work Act 1974.

This states that it is the duty of the employer to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all its employees.

Tim Horlock QC, prosecuting, said: "On September 5, 1999, Paul Metcalf of the Greater Manchester Fire Service tragically lost his life.

"He was one of a number of firefighters who responded to an emergency call in the early afternoon of that Sunday.

"It was made because a young man had got into difficulty in the water at Simon's Lodge.

"Paul Metcalf and others entered the water in a vain attempt to rescue him.

"Paul Metcalf displayed the selflessness and courage you would expect of a firefighter and lost his life as a result of trying to save another."