PROSECUTORS have decided there is not enough evidence to pursue a manslaughter charge in the case of a Bideford teenager who died while training for the Ten Tors Challenge.

Charlotte Shaw was just 14 when she drowned in a rain-swollen stream while she was preparing for the two-day trek across Dartmoor.

In December, coroner Elizabeth Earland adjourned an inquest into the tragedy, to refer the case back to the Crown Prosecution Service because of concerns about the evidence she heard from fellow classmates on the course in March 2007.

Their oral testimonies during the hearing appeared to differ from police statements, with some of the youngsters claiming they had begged teachers to allow them off the moors because of worsening weather conditions.

The Crown Prosecution Service has now confirmed it has told police no further action will be taken, due to insufficient evidence.

Ann Reddrop, head of the CPS South West complex casework unit, said: "Having reviewed the case in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, I have taken the decision to take no further action as there is insufficient evidence to bring a case against any individual."

It lifts the threat of possible prosecution against Kingsley College, Bideford, which was called Edgehill College when Charlotte attended, as well as from teachers Kathryn Timms and Chris Fuller, who were overseeing the expedition.

The inquest was adjourned before either gave evidence. But some of the children in their care reported they had felt "pushed" into carrying on with the training, despite driving rain and biting winds.

Ms Timms had been due to meet the pupils at a checkpoint at Wattern Tor, but she herself encountered difficulties in crossing a stream, and had fallen in.

Nobody from Kingsley School was available to comment.

Charles Hattersley, of Ashfords solicitors, which is acting on behalf of Charlotte's mother, Jennifer Wilkin-Shaw, said he was pleased that the CPS had reached a decision.

He said: "No-one wanted criminal proceedings per se. It came as a bit of a surprise to most of us in the legal team when the coroner referred the case back to the CPS."

But Mr Hattersley said the decision would have no impact on a civil case, which is currently being prepared.