A FUNDRAISING page has been set up to support the parents of a 13-year-old Appleby boy who remains critically ill in hospital.

The online page was set up by the assistant headteacher at Appleby Grammar School where the teenager, who has not been named, attends.

Since the Go Fund Me page launched on Friday, it has raised more than £8,000 of a £10,000 target for the boy's parents.

Emergency services were called to Holme Street by the River Eden in Appleby at about 5pm on Tuesday to a report of a boy in the water.

The 13-year-old was rescued by firefighters, and taken to the RVI Hospital in Newcastle.

The family remains at his bedside and is currently staying in hospital accommodation.

The extent of his injuries remains unknown.

Kristian Moore, assistant headteacher at Appleby Grammar School, said: "The accident has had a massive impact on the whole community.

"Students at the school have been fantastic in their response, with older students looking out for those in lower year groups and there has been a general feeling of wanting to do something to help the family in any way they could.

"Students have sent cards and pictures to the hospital and we also wanted to do something that would be of practical benefit and so set up the Go Fund Me page."

Mr Moore added: "The immediate response from the community has been staggering.

"The generosity of parents, students and those not directly linked to the school says a lot about the district and the county.

"I would like to ask that people continue to share the link to the Go Fund Me page and encourage further donations so that we can continue to support the boy and his family."

To make a donation, go to: http://bit.ly/2H9U6JU