The first picture of the 10-year-old Darlington girl who tragically died in a mudslide whilst on a school trip yesterday as been released as her family pay tribute to her.
The family of Leah Harrison have said she will "never ever be forgotten" in a heartbreaking tribute as they release an image of her following her death yesterday.
Leah, who was a pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School, was on a one-day adventure school trip after finishing her SATS exams when she was tragically caught up in a mudslide just after 1pm yesterday.
Emergency services including police, ambulance and mountain rescue worked for hours to save Leah's life but it was later confirmed she had passed away.
In a statement, the family of Leah Harrison, 10, from Darlington, said: "Leah Harrison, the happy, bubbly, go-lucky little girl.
"The beautiful smile, the giddy laugh, the silly jokes. You will never ever be forgotten baby girl.
"You will achieve you dream and become a player for the Lionesses. Spread those wings. May you rest in paradise."
Leah's family are now planning to hold a balloon release for Leah next week to celebrate her life and have invited family and friends to join them.
The first floral tributes have been left at the school including a small teddy football with the writing 'Leah No1' on it.
Balloons have also been attached to the school sign.
This is an ongoing incident- follow all of our coverage here
- 10-year-old Darlington schoolgirl dies in Carlton Bank mudslide
- Tributes to Darlington's Leah Harrison, 10, killed in mudslide tragedy
- Follow our live coverage here
Earlier, Chief Executive of the Lingfield Education Trust, Nick Blackburn issued a statement on behalf of the school, paying tribute to Leah as the trust remains in a "state of shock".
He said: "The full details are still emerging but this is clearly a heartbreaking tragedy. Leah was a much-loved part of our school and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the school staff.
"Counselling is being arranged within the school for pupils and staff. We are all in a state of shock and we would ask that the privacy of the family and the school community is respected while we try to come to terms with what has happened."
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