THREE films featuring the families of people who have drowned in York's rivers will be released later this week.

The films will be screened as a report by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA ) into the safety of the Ouse and the Foss rivers is made public on Friday.

The report was commissioned by City of York Council following the deaths of four people in the city's rivers earlier this year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police Superintendent Phil Cain and City of York Council deputy leader Tracey Simpson-Laing will hold a briefing at West Offices, when it is hoped two family members in the short films, Jackie Roberts and Steve Pearson, will also attend.

Jackie's daughter Megan Roberts and Steve's son Tyler Pearson separately drowned in the Ouse earlier this year.

Mrs Mulligan said: “Jackie and Steve have come forward today to help us improve safety in the City of York and if at all possible to prevent future tragedies. I am very grateful for their support as it will make all the difference to our work."

Supt Cain said: “Dealing with river safety is of paramount importance, but we will only be able to solve the problem by looking at it in the round.

"By working with the city council and our wider partners we can aim to make York a safer place generally, ensure the night time economy is more diverse, which should in turn reduce alcohol-fuelled incidents that can lead to individuals finding themselves in vulnerable states.

"Our collective message today is firmly on staying safe, in particular during and after a night out. Make a plan for getting home, avoid the rivers and stick with your friends, especially if you've had a bit to drink.

"It is also essential that we do all we can to tackle some of the root causes of the problems, in particular the drinking culture. York is a fantastic place to go out at night and the fact that it is such a safe city is one of its major attractions. We need to do all we can to ensure it remains as safe as possible."

Cllr Simpson-Laing said: "I welcome this chance to outline our work with partners as well as plans suggested by RoSPA to make York even safer."