The family of a six-year-old girl who died after being struck by a falling tree have said they were “blessed” to have her in their lives.

Almost £49,000 has been raised for the Great North Air Ambulance Service in memory of Ella Henderson, after a fundraiser was set up by her mother.

Ella was seriously injured by a falling tree at Gosforth Park First School, Newcastle, on Friday.

She was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, where she died on Saturday.

In a statement her family, who are receiving support from specialist officers, paid tribute to their daughter and sister.

We feel incredibly blessed to have had her in our lives. We had the perfect family and she will live on in our hearts

They said: “Ella is our beautiful baby girl now and always.

“We want to say a heartfelt thank you to the teachers, emergency services and the staff at the RVI who did everything they could to help her.

“We are truly humbled by all the support and donations, even from people we have never met before.

“She was so brave and so strong, she brought so much joy to us, her big sister Abi, her family, her besties and all who she met.

“We feel incredibly blessed to have had her in our lives. We had the perfect family and she will live on in our hearts.”

Detective Inspector Steve Byrne, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was an incredibly tragic incident and our thoughts go out to Ella’s family and loved ones at this unbelievably difficult time.

“We will continue to offer them any support they need, and they have asked that their privacy is respected as they grieve the loss of Ella.”

An investigation has been launched, with police working in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive.

Andy Mawson, director of operations at the Great North Air Ambulance Service, said: “The amount of money raised is incredible.

“I think it’s bittersweet for everybody.

“It’s just such a truly heartbreaking tragedy. To the family and friends we just wanted to say thank you.

“It really does mean the world to us. The fact that you’ve been able to provide support in such a horrendous time is truly humbling.”