A TEENAGE boy whose body was recovered from a reservoir has been described as a talented young footballer and “friendly and very caring”.

Ben Thomson was found dead at Glenburn Reservoir in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on Tuesday evening.

The 14-year-old’s head teacher said the school community is devastated at the news of his death.

Lisa Chalmers, head of Gleniffer High School in Paisley, said: “Ben was a well-liked, friendly and very caring pupil, who always greeted you in the corridor.

“As well as succeeding in academic subjects, Ben was also a very talented young footballer, achieving extracurricular awards for his achievements in the game. Ben comes from a very loving and close family and our thoughts and prayers are with his parents and sister at this very sad time.”

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “This is the worst thing that can happen to a family, and my thoughts are with them and all of Ben’s friends during this terribly sad time.

“Glenburn is a very close-knit community and I know everyone is already rallying around the family.”

Emergency services launched a search operation after reports that Ben, from the Glenburn area of the town, was in the water .

Police, fire and ambulance crews were sent to the scene just after 5.30pm and his body was recovered later. Officers said a post-mortem will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death, but it is not being treated as suspicious.