Shock over death of schoolgirl, 15

A GRIEVING relative of a Horsmonden girl who collapsed and died during a school PE lesson on Tuesday has spoken of the family's shock at the tragedy.

Nicky Payne, 15, suffered a suspected heart attack while playing rounders at Angley School in Cranbrook.

Her cousin Sara Hutchinson, pictured here with Nicky at her wedding last year, told the Courier: "You could not help but be cheered if you were in the same room as Nicky."

Year 10 pupil Nicky, who has a twin sister at the same school, had no history of heart problems and her death had come as a "complete shock", Miss Hutchinson said.

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"This was completely out of the blue," she said.

"She was a beautiful girl and did everything with her heart and soul, and always had a smile on her face.

"She is going to be very much missed."

Justin Bieber fan Nicky lived in Gibbet Lane with her family, including sister Emily and twin Charlie.

Miss Hutchinson said the twins were "inseparable".

"Nicky had some minor learning difficulties and Charlie was very protective of her," she said. "She was a wonderful kid."

After Nicky's collapse shortly before 11.30am, three members of staff spent ten minutes trying to revive her before paramedics arrived and took her to the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, where she died.

Angley pupils were told of Nicky's death at a special assembly later in the day.

Executive head teacher Debbie Coslett said: "Nicky played a full part in the life of the school and was the first to volunteer for any activity. She especially loved taking part in school shows.

"We will be offering support to her friends, all students and staff at the school."

Flowers were left by mourners at the school entrance and tributes poured in from distraught friends and pupils on a Facebook page set up in her memory.

At the time of going to press, 1,191 people had offered their sympathies on the page.

Messages include one left by Steph Sloman, who described Nicky as a "beautiful girl inside and out", adding: "You'll always be remembered as a valued member of our family at Angley.

"Goodbye to one of the nicest and most beautiful people that went to Angley School. You will be missed."

Nicky's love of singing and dancing was also remembered by Sherrie Farris, who wrote she was "an amazing" young woman who always had her head held high.

"Her real dream was to meet Justin Bieber and now whenever we hear his songs we'll be reminded of Nicola. She had such a future ahead of her."