Tributes have flooded in from readers of the Echo after the tragic passing of a Darlington schoolgirl.
Leah Harrison, a year six pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School, was on a school trip when she was caught up in the mudslide near Carlton Bank in Cleveland just after 1pm yesterday (May 22).
Rescuers said the girl was killed by a “freak force of nature.”
Tributes have been paid to the schoolgirl by The Northern Echo’s readers following her passing.
One reader, Poppy Smith, posting on a Northern Echo Book of Condolence, said she will always remember her friend.
She said: “Leah was always there for me, her smile was gorgeous and she always had a confident attitude.
“I love you Leah and you will forever be in my heart.”
Maria Moore, said: “RIP Leah, fly [high] angel, gone but never forgotten.
“Sending love to you and your family and friends.”
Another reader said: “God give Leah a good bed in heaven. God bless the family and friends, so sorry.”
While another reader said: “God bless this poor little girl and all of her family.”
Tributes were also left on the Northern Echo social media pages.
One said: “Absolutely tragic, [my] heart goes out to her family.”
Another heartbroken reader said: “God bless you, Leah. You were our neighbour for many years.
“You won’t ever be forgotten darling. My heart goes out to your mam and sister.”
While another reader said: “Just heartbreaking, thinking of all Leah's family, friends and all who knew her.
“Rest peacefully, beautiful angel.”
In a tribute, her family said: “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.
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"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."
St Mary’s Church on Cockerton Green, in Darlington, have said they were devastated to hear of her passing.
They confirmed they will be holding a candlelight vigil for Leah between 3pm and 7pm tomorrow (May 23).
They said: “Like everyone across our community we were devastated at St Mary's to hear of the death of Leah Harrison yesterday.
“It can be difficult to know what to do or say at times like this and so we're opening the Church tomorrow between 3 & 7pm.
“You can light a candle for Leah or just be still in the quiet of the church with your thoughts and prayers. There will also be people around to pray with you as well.
“Our prayers are very much with Leah's family, friends and school community at this most difficult of times.”
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