Last updated at 17:10, Tuesday, 08 January 2013

TRIBUTES have been paid to a “much loved” schoolgirl who was found dead in an area of woodland.

LOVED: Helena Farrell

The body of former Windermere School pupil, 15-year-old Helena Farrell from Kendal, was found near the town’s Castle Green Hotel at around 10pm on Friday.

The talented Kendal teenager was a student at Kirkbie Kendal School, and previously Windermere School.

Ian Lavender, headmaster at Windermere School, where Helena studied until the summer of 2011, said: “We at Windermere School remember Helena Farrell as a radiant, vibrant and intelligent member of our community.

“Helena was a talented student with great potential in so many areas, in particular excelling as an accomplished musician.

“Even after she left the school in the summer of 2011, she continued to maintain friendships with many of our students. We are all deeply shocked by this sad and tragic news. Our thoughts are with Helena’s family.”

Phil Hyman, head-teacher at Kirkbie Kendal School, said: “Helena was a much-loved member of the school and this tragedy will leave a tremendous hole in our community.”

Friends have also created a moving YouTube clip showing a montage of photographs.

Helena’s family earlier released a statement, describing Helena as the “beautiful, loved and cherished daughter of Enda and Maria, and sister of Declan”.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

First published at 16:28, Tuesday, 08 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk