A local education authority has been forced to close almost all of its school swimming pools after it was criticised following the death of an 11-year-old boy at Thame Leisure Centre.

Buckinghamshire County Council took the step following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the drowning of Nathan Matthews, left, in 2.5ft of water last year.

Nathan, a pupil at Stokenchurch Primary School near High Wycombe, died during a swimming lesson in July. His school pool was being renovated.

The HSE criticised Buckinghamshire's risk assessment paperwork and said pools would be temporarily closed until health and safety documents had been vetted.

Nathan's mother, Penny, said: "It's a start but there are so many improvements that could be made. Water is such a dangerous substance."

Mrs Matthews and her husband Terry launched an online petition today at www.safeswimkids.com