A national park authority has reiterated that there is "no such thing as zero risk" whilst on walking trails a week after a 10-year-old Darlington schoolgirl was tragically killed in a mudslide.

Leah Harrison, 10, was a pupil at Mount Pleasant Primary School was on a school trip in The North York Moors National Park near Carlton Bank on May 22 when a mudslide struck and tragically took Leah's life.

Emergency services tried for hours to rescue Leah, who played for Darlington Youth FC and had dreams of being a Lioness when she grew up.

The Northern Echo:

Following the tragedy, operators of the North York Moors National Park Authority has reassured visitors that routes are inspected regularly, but there is always a chance of risk.

Joel Brookfield, Director of Recreation and Wellbeing, said: "Staff at the North York Moors National Park Authority were hugely saddened to hear of the tragic incident at Carlton Bank and our thoughts are with Leah’s family and friends.

"We can confirm that the incident took place on an area of land which is Open Access, rather than on a Right of Way. This means that walkers are free to explore the space without sticking to marked paths or trails; the majority of moorland across the National Park, along with many areas of woodland, fall under this category.

"Even on Rights of Way that are inspected regularly, there is no such thing as zero risk. The Cleveland Way National Trail is a prime example of this, as despite being actively managed to be as safe as it can be, its 109 miles covers remote expanses, steep gradients and dynamic coastal cliffs. Rangers and others work to counter risks that are reasonably foreseeable, but they cannot eliminate them completely.

The Northern Echo: Floral tributes to Leah Harrison have been left at the entrance to Mount Pleasant Primary School

"We would like to reassure schools and parents that National Parks are safe and important places for outdoor learning. Many thousands of visits take place each year, allowing young people to engage with nature, build confidence and explore topics of great importance to the world today.

"Organisers are always recommended to look for the LOtC Quality Badge when choosing providers, demonstrating a high level of risk management and educational provision."

Tributes have flooded in for young Leah with parents and friends leaving floral tributes outside the school in the wake of her passing.

One card read: "To my Darlington Goddaughter . Heartbreaking. RIP my Angel xx. Love Aunty Dawn xxx".

Others read: "Fly High beautiful Leah. You're in our hearts forever and never ever forgotten. Sending so much love to the family and thinking of you all " and "Today is a darker day as a beautiful ray of sunlight has been taken away. A lovely girl with an amazing smile and a funny laugh. We will miss you always." 

A card jointly signed by pupils included messages such as "Please come back to us, we can't cope without you", "You were like a sister to us" and "I hope you are having a nice time in heaven".

On Monday, hundreds of families including Leah’s schoolfriends gathered at the playpark near Cocker Beck in Darlington at 4pm on Monday (May 27) to release balloons.

Colourful balloons floated away in the skies over Darlington in the emotional tribute.

Among them were balloons reading ‘10’, a reference to Leah’s age, and footballs for the wannabe England Lioness.

The Northern Echo:

There were tears and cheers as they were released following a short countdown.

Leah’s family were in attendance at the vigil to mark her short life.

Paying tribute to her in a statement last week they said: “Leah Harrison, the happy, bubbly, go-lucky little girl.

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“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.”