A MOTHER has paid tribute to her teenage daughter who died hours after developing breathing difficulties.

Fourteen-year-old Holly Williams will be buried today.

Her mother, Karen, a nurse from Eagle Park, in Middlesbrough, said Holly came home sniffling from school last Wednesday. The next morning, she was not breathing properly.

Karen said: "I took her to hospital and the doctors told me she had an infection - pneumonia. She went up to intensive care and they were doing blood tests all day, but they said everything was failing and advised us to turn the machines off. I was devastated, I didn't want to believe it, but the doctors said that was it and we decided it was best for her."

Holly developed epilepsy at ten weeks old and grew up with special needs. She had attended Priory Woods Special School, in Tothill Avenue, Middlesbrough, since the age of three.

Her mother yesterday thanked staff and parents for their support since her daughter's death. She said: "Holly loved going to school and everyone there has been a great support - it is not very big and she will be missed in class.

"Holly was very placid and never complained or cried. She was very accepting of everyone and everyone loved her."

Holly's eight-year-old sister, Stacy, brothers Daniel, 11, and Jordan, five, will be among those attending a service in her memory today.