TRIBUTES have been paid to a happy and caring schoolgirl who has died suddenly at the age of 14.

Sarah Gisby, of Halfway Road, Sheerness, collapsed in her father's arms after suffering from stomach ache and vomiting. She was taken to hospital but could not be resuscitated.

The tragedy happened on Monday. Doctors have now confirmed she died of a rare twisted gut condition.

Sarah, an animal lover, had just returned from a holiday in Tenerife with her brother Daniel, 12, father Paul, and his girlfriend.

Only last weekend Sarah had helped decorate her mother's Christmas tree. The day before she died her father, a learning support assistant at Danley Middle School in Sheerness, booked a return holiday to Tenerife next year so that Sarah could swim with dolphins.

Although her parents are divorced, her family is still very close. Her mother, Angela Burnell, 38, said: "She was as happy as anything and looking forward to Christmas. Life will never be the same again."

Hugh Robinson, Sarah's headteacher at Minster College, said: "She was a super kid and had loads of friends. We have had teachers in tears. It is a tragedy."

Sarah had a pet dog Harvey and was also a horse lover. The family hopes to incorporate a horseshoe in the flowers for her coffin.