AN inquest into the drowning of a hero fireman who died trying to rescue a teenager from a lodge opened today.

Ramsbottom firefighter Paul Metcalf, a part-time sub-officer, died after a desperate bid to pull Reyaz Ali, 16, from Simon's Lodge near Holcombe.

Mr Metcalf, 40, got into difficulties when his safety line snagged on an underwater obstruction as he tried to find the boy.

Proceedings will begin with coroner Barrie Williams concluding the inquest into the death of the teenager.

A jury will preside at the hearing in Bury Town Hall's main council chamber, which is expected to last seven days.