A HEADteacher paid tribute last night to a "talented and popular" pupil who died on Monday after an incident at her home.

Anthony Hobbs, the headteacher at Bydales School, in Marske, east Cleveland, said the whole school community was struggling to come to terms with the death of 13-year-old Lisa Jacklin.

He described her as a model pupil with a bright future ahead of her.

"Lisa was highly regarded at school by her teachers and friends," he said.

"She was a confident, talented and popular pupil who excelled in PE and sports activities such as gymnastics, dance, athletics and cross country.

"Lisa had a positive attitude to her school life."

An inquest into the tragedy opened at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. It heard that Lisa was rushed from her New Marske home to Middlesbrough General Hospital on Sunday, where she died the following day.

Police are not treating the incident as suspicious.

Mr Hobbs, who is expected to attend Lisa's funeral tomorrow, at St Thomas' Church, New Marske, said he is trying his best to console staff and pupils.

"We are working closely with officers of the local education authority to provide all the support we can for pupils and staff at this difficult time," he said.