A SCHOOLBOY who lost his life after a river accident is being honoured by fellow pupils on the first anniversary of his tragic death.

William McNally, 13, was swimming with friends at a section of the River Gryfe known locally as the Clay Pitts, near Auchans Farm, Houston, on June 2 last year when he got into difficulties.

The Linwood High pupil was pulled from the water and rushed to Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children in a critical condition but died three days later.

A memorial bench in his name, where pupils can sit during breaks, will be unveiled in the school grounds next week.

William’s mum Sharron Drennan and other family members have been invited to the ceremony on Friday, June 10, by depute headteacher John Hammond.

There will also be a slide show of photographs of William at different stages in his life.

Sharron, 50, told The Gazette: “The bench will be in the school grounds where William used to stand with friends.

“The ceremony will take place in the dining hall with his year group and some seniors. I will then thank everyone at the school for all they have done for him and our family.

“I will also ask the kids to be safe and not let their mum be the next mum standing where I am.”

Sharron admits that the days leading up to the first anniversary of her son’s death have been difficult to deal with.

She added: “The bench is a lovely gesture by the school.”

In the year since tragedy struck her family, Sharron has been active in improving water safety at the Gryfe.

Four lifebelts have now been installed on poles along the riverbank.

Sharron is also hoping to get GPS [Global Positioning System] signage on riverbanks with codes that can be given when dialling 999 so the emergency services can get to incidents quickly.

There were delays in getting help for William because of the remoteness of the location.

William, described as “kind and gentle” by friends and family, was laid to rest at Broomward Cemetery, Elderslie.

His parents decided to donate his organs in the hope these would save the lives of other children.

In March, a new Water Safety Action Plan was drawn up by the Scottish Government following a spate of deaths last summer.

Signs are to be improved at popular locations, including lochs and reservoirs, with plans to train more people how to use rescue equipment.

There will also be a review of 999 procedures for tackling water accidents, as well as a new danger assessment of beaches.