THE mother of a teenager who died last week after taking Ecstasy has spoken of her loss.

Lisa Teasdale, 15, died last Thursday after lying critically ill in Middlesbrough General Hospital for several days.

Today, in her first statement since the tragedy, her mother Jackie Porter described her as a "lovely, witty, kind-hearted girl."

She urged other parents to prevent their children from taking drugs. "Warn kids of the dangers of taking tablets," she said. "Teenagers don't know what they are taking or doing. Don't let such a thing happen and devastate someone else's life."

Lisa took Ecstasy at a Middlesbrough night club, became ill, and was admitted to hospital the following morning.

She had set her heart on becoming a special needs teacher, and had already mastered sign language through talking to a deaf friend.

Ms Porter said the whole family, including her older daughter Gemma, 17, and especially son Dillon, five, is devastated by what happened.

"Lisa was like a mother to him," she said. "He went everywhere with her. He understands she is an angel in heaven now."

Lisa's death followed other recent tragedies in the family. Her ten-year-old cousin, Tony, died in an accident just over a year ago and her great grandmother died two months ago.

Ms Porter, from Middlesbrough, said: "We are just devastated, numb. To the best of my knowledge, this was the first time Lisa had done anything like this. She had normal teenager's interests and the rest of her life to look forward to. We have had hundreds of cards from friends and family. She was a wonderful girl and will be sadly missed."

A 30-year-old woman, a 15 year-old girl, and a 24-year-old man are currently on bail pending further police inquiries into the supply of controlled drugs.

Ron Newitt, the head teacher of Keldholme Comprehensive School, where Lisa was a pupil, said he was giving her family time to grieve before considering a tribute.

He said: "I think her parents have to grieve without the school or any of the children's involvement. It's a sensitive situation and our condolences go to the family at this time."