The family of a man who died after going in the sea at Seaton Carew beach to help children in difficulty have spoken of their gratitude for the support they have received after their “devastating loss”.

Wayne Taylor, 38, from Country Durham, was one of two men who lost their lives in the incident on Sunday, July 12, along with Ian Pascoe, aged 62, from the Peterlee area.

In a statement, Mr Taylor’s family said: “Firstly, we would like to extend our condolences to the family of Ian Pascoe, who have also suffered a devastating loss.

“We would like to thank everyone who was at the beach and helped, those who entered the water, and all the emergency services who attended to assist. We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received.

“We are still struggling to come to terms with what has happened and would ask for privacy and time as a family to begin to process these tragic events.”