The Northern Echo has opened an online book of condolence after the tragic passing of a Darlington schoolgirl.
Leah Harrison, a year six pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School, had recently completed her SATS exams and was on a school trip when she was caught up in the mudslide near Carlton Bank in Cleveland just after 1pm yesterday (May 22).
Despite the best efforts of volunteers who tried to rescue her, she was killed by a "freak force of nature".
Today, Leah's family released a tribute saying that she will "never ever be forgotten".
Read more: 10-year-old Darlington schoolgirl dies in Carlton Bank mudslide
Her family said: "God only takes the best, please let me tell you he's taken the best there ever was!
"I've been asked to put a message on to thank everyone who has messaged, called and said their condolences it has not gone unnoticed but as a family we are still taking in what has happened to our beautiful Leah.
"Please may we ask for people to give us this time to grieve and come to terms with this news. We all appreciate everything everyone is doing.
"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."
We've set up an online book of condolence for you to pay your tributes. You can leave your own message using the tool at the bottom.
Messages will be moderated before appearing online so there may be a delay before you see it here.
Community answers
Tributes for Leah
"Leah Harrison, a Year 6 pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School in Darlington, was killed on Wednesday afternoon during a school trip. Leave your tributes here."
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Leave your tribute hereDidn't know you beautiful but have a son the same age. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends. Fly high Princess #forever10
Anything else you want to add?
Leave your tribute hereGoodnight and God bless darling. So sad. Thinking of your family at this sad time 💔
Anything else you want to add?
Leave your tribute hereSo sorry Leah that your beautiful life has been cut so short. Sending love and compassion to your parents and family at such a devastating loss ♥️♥️
Anything else you want to add?
Leave your tribute hereRip Leah fly angel gone but never forgotten sending love to you and your family and friends xxx
Anything else you want to add?
Leave your tribute hereLeah was always there for me her smile was gorgeous and she always had a confident attitude I love u leah and u will forever be in my heart ❤️ From Poppy xxxxx
Share any pictures here
Poppy Smith and Leah Harrison At a photo shoot party. Anything else you want to add?
Leave your tribute hereGod give Leah a good bed in heaven, God bless the family and friends, xxx so sorry.
Anything else you want to add?
Tributes for Leah
Leah Harrison, a Year 6 pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School in Darlington, was killed on Wednesday afternoon during a school trip. Leave your tributes here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here