INVESTIGATIONS continued today into the death of a 17-year-old North Yorkshire schoolboy who plunged into a fast-flowing river while trekking with classmates in the Italian Alps.

The body of Alex Foulkes was discovered by rescue workers yesterday in the Val d'Aosta area and identified by his parents, who had flown out to Italy.

He was one of a dozen Harrogate Grammar School students who joined the two-week trekking expedition on Saturday.

A major rescue operation was launched after Alex fell into the river on Monday evening.

Head teacher Dr Philip Limbert yesterday described the 17-year-old as an "archetypal excellent student".

"He was a young man whose future lay in sports journalism," he said. "This is a distressing time and our sympathies are extended to his parents."

Dr Limbert said Alex was taking A-levels in French, maths and media studies.

He had obtained a range of GCSEs and was a vice-house captain at the school, he added.

The head teacher said it would be "wrong to speculate" on how the tragedy occurred.

However, Dr Limbert said the group leader on the trip was experienced and had a qualification in summer and winter trekking.

The school announced last night that it would be closing early for the summer today, although counsellors would be available tomorrow to provide support for pupils.

Two further school trips to France later this summer had been cancelled after consultation with parents and governors.

Bernadette Jones, head of policy and development at North Yorkshire County Council, said an inquiry would take place to establish what happened.

She said: "As far as procedures are concerned we have talked to the school, interviewed and asked questions and the school followed the LEA procedures which are set out. Risk assessments were undertaken.

"The LEA takes its responsibilities very seriously."

Other students on the trip were expected to return to England later today.

Alex's brother, Gregory, 14, is also a pupil at Harrogate Grammar School.

Updated: 10:34 Thursday, July 17, 2003