An inquest has opened into the death of a 12-year-old girl who collapsed at her secondary school and later died in hospital.

Pearl Unu-Arubi passed away on March 30 after going into cardiac arrest at Rochester Grammar School 10 days before.

Area coroner Katrina Hepburn opened an inquest into the youngster's death at County Hall, Maidstone, on Friday.

The court heard how Pearl “was known to have asthma” and food allergies but had been told by medics she could start reintroducing wheat back into her diet, which she had started doing.

On March 20, she was dropped off at school after having toast for breakfast and asked for some piriton – anti-allegy tablets – at some point during the morning, before having her lunch.

Ms Hepburn told the court it was then when Pearl's “breathing became more difficult” and she collapsed while at the school in Maidstone Road, Rochester – going into cardiac arrest.

The court was told how CPR was started and a 999 call was made with a road and air ambulance arriving at the scene.

Pearl was ventilated and taken by helicopter to King’s College Hospital in London where she had CT and MRI scans, Ms Hepburn added.

The youngster, who was her parents Weyimi and Paul’s only child, was in critical condition and died 10 days later from a severe brain injury.

They have now paid tribute to their “kind” and “compassionate” daughter.

Weyimi said: “Pearl was a selfless, kind, passionate and fun-loving child. She had the most amazing personality. She lit up the room with her smile and had the most infectious laugh.

“Pearl made friends easily in primary school and the short time she was in secondary school. It was said she was a cherished member among her peers.

“Pearl was our rock, as young as she was, she was intelligent and smart and I found myself taking advice from Pearl. She was our friend and was far advanced in her intellect and reasoning.

“She was liked by all teachers and adults in her primary school. She had more than 1,000 people come to say goodbye to her on the night of her vigil.”

The Woolwich-born youngster loved drawing, playing video games, music, creating different pancake recipes, gymnastics and taekwondo and dreamed of becoming a lawyer due to her passion for social justice.

Weyimi added: “I would like Pearl to be remembered as a princess whose kindly nature shone through. A selfless spirit who always showed compassion and love to everyone she met.

“She was a purple heart princess and you only meet one like her in a lifetime. She was truly beautiful inside and out.

“We carry a massive hole in our hearts since the day she left us to be with our father in heaven. Though she is not physically here, I take comfort in the beautiful memories we shared together.

“Pearl will always be ingrained in our hearts until we meet again in eternity. Sleep now, my warrior princess.”

A pre-inquest review into Pearl’s death will be held on November 23 at Oakwood House in Maidstone.