A school has paid tribute to a six-year-old pupil who died along with his mother after getting into trouble at Aberdeen beach

Lucas Walker and his mother Julie, 37, died in hospital following the incident on Saturday afternoon.

His brother Samuel, 13, is still receiving treatment after going into the water in an attempt to rescue them.

Two others who also tried to save the pair have since been released from hospital.

Amanda Murray, head teacher at Bramble Brae School, where Lucas had recently started primary three, said in a statement: "Pupils, teachers and the wider school community are deeply saddened and in a state of shock following the dreadful news of Lucas and his mum's tragic deaths at the weekend.

"Lucas, who had just started primary three, was a lovely little boy who was popular amongst his classmates and staff at the school.

"On behalf of everyone at Bramble Brae School we would like to express our deepest condolences to Lucas' family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."

Pupils at Bramble Brae have been offered counselling, Aberdeen City Council said.

They were among six people who died off Britain's coastline at the weekend, prompting a warning from the RNLI.

Eyewitness Rachel McBain said: "We saw two young boys standing near the edge as the waves were crashing in.

"The water was rough and choppy. The next thing I knew they were in the water and everybody was panicking.

"I called 999 - I didn't know what else I could do."