AN OPEN verdict has been recorded at an inquest into a Radley College pupil who fell from cliffs on his 17th birthday after a night with friends.

The body of George Frewer was found on the beach at Tristan Cliffs, Polzeath, Cornwall, on July 17. He died from multiple injuries including a fractured neck. The inquest in Bodmin, Cornwall, heard his alcohol level was two and a half times the drink-drive limi The teenager fell while walking home from a house near the cliffs, where he had been celebrating with friends.

After the hearing, his father Martin, a 47-year-old merchant banker, from Tadley, Hampshire, said the family was "devastated", adding: "He was a wonderful chap.

"We have got Christmas to face up to, it is a very difficult time."

Assistant Cornwall Coroner Barrie van den Berg said it was the "tragic death of a young man on the threshold of life".

Det Con Nigel Hoar told the inquest it appeared that George had strayed from the natural, worn cliff path and was walking between a fence and the cliff edge.

"It is not known why or how he was on that side," said the officer, who told the inquest there were signs that the teenager had lost his footing.

He said George had a spatial awareness issue which could occasionally impair his judgment.

There were no signs of any drug use and drink would not necessarily have contributed to his fall.

"There was nothing to indicate this was anything else than a tragic accident," said Det Con Hoar.