Girl Dies During Rounders Game

Tributes are being paid to a 15-year-old girl who has died while playing rounders at her school in Kent.

Nicky Payne collapsed at about 11.30am yesterday during the game at Angley School in Cranbrook, which is a specialist sports college. She was rushed to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford but doctors were unable to revive her.

A statement on the school's website said: "Everyone at the school is extremely shocked and saddened by the news of Nicky's death. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.

"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 the school shows."

Tributes have been paid to Nicky via Twitter and Facebook, where a page set up in her memory has been joined by hundreds of people. Friends have described the 15 year old as funny, bubbly and beautiful "inside and out".

Nicky's family are being supported by a family liaison officer from Kent police, while staff and students at Angley School are being offered support and counselling to help them try to come to terms with her death