A 13-year-old County Durham girl, described as bubbly and well liked, was found hanged in her bedroom, by her step-father yesterday.

Kelsey Jade Winter, from Marwood Drive in Barnard Castle, lived with her mother Carolann, 29, step father Mark Winter, 30, and brothers James, 8, and Josh, 2 who were all left devastated by her sudden death.

She was last seen at 1.30pm on Sunday afternoon and was heard moving around in her bedroom whilst her parents made lunch downstairs.

Her step father called her name when her lunch was ready at around 2.15pm but she did not respond so he went upstairs to check on her and discovered her hanged in her bedroom.

He tried to resuscitate her whilst her mother called an ambulance.

She was then taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital where she died shortly after.

Mrs Winter who is 33 weeks pregnant said: "Kelsey Jade was a bubbly and well liked girl who always looked forward to spending time with her friends, she was very sensitive too.

"My husband and I are both devastated by the discovery and are trying to come to terms with it all."

Kelsey Jade had been staying at her Aunt Barbara's at nearby Evenwood on the Friday evening and returned home on the Saturday.

She attended Teesdale Comprehensive School and was a member of Teesdale Sports Centre's Gymnastics Club where she recently won a trophy for being the most improved gymnast for 2007.

She also loved trampolining.

A spokesperson from Durham and Darlington Police confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

An opening inquest will be held tomorrow at the coroners office in Crook.