The football club of 10-year-old Darlington schoolgirl Leah Harrison who tragically died in a mudslide whilst on a school trip yesterday have paid tribute to her.
Leah, who was a "budding Lioness" and a pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School, was with fellow year six pupils on an instructor-led walk yesterday (May 22) when the mudslide struck just after 1pm.
The group was walking along a "popular" route near Carlton Bank in Cleveland on a school trip at Carlton Adventure Centre when the "freak of nature" slide hit.
Now, Darlington Youth FC have paid tribute to Leah, who played for the girls U11 team and was a "joy to coach".
A full statement by the club read: "The club would like to express its sincere condolences for the loss of Leah Harrison who was part of Darlington Youth FC’s U11 girls’ team.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends, and the other U11 girls who had dear friendships with Leah.
"The club would like to echo the thoughts of her manager.
"We are devastated this morning to hear of the tragic passing of Leah Harrison.
"Leah only joined our football family this season but had quickly become a popular member amongst the girls.
"She was a joy to coach — always smiling and trying her best — and had shown big improvements during her time with us.
"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this terrible time."
"May Leah rest in peace and forever be in our thoughts."
Leah's family have also paid tribute to their "beautiful" girl and penned a heartbreaking tribute this morning.
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 your dream and become a player for the Lionesses. Spread those wings. May you rest in paradise."
Following the tragedy, it has been confirmed that a full investigation will be launched into the incident.
Denise McGuckin, Managing Director of Hartlepool Borough Council, which operates Carlton Adventure said: ‘"We can confirm that a tragic incident occurred during one of the Centre’s instructor-led outdoor education forest walks near Carlton-in-Cleveland yesterday.
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"We are utterly devastated and heartbroken and our thoughts are with Leah’s family and friends and all those affected.
"We are working closely with our partner agencies to carry out a full investigation and we are temporarily suspending all outdoor activities and residential breaks managed by the Council.
"Whilst the investigation is being carried out it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."
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