A NORTH Herefordshire high school is mourning the death of one of its star pupils.

Former Wigmore High School student Emily Ruell, aged 16, was found with serious injuries in her bedroom at her family's home in Lingen last month. She later died at Hereford County Hospital.

Emily left Wigmore last summer after attaining 10 GCSEs, including three A* and three A passes.

Deputy head Bob Earl, who was also Emily's geography teacher, paid tribute to a "super young lady" who excelled both academically and on the sports field.

"Emily was a quiet, very polite, shy young lady in school, and was popular and well respected by her peers and teachers," he said.

"She had always taken a full part in many school activities and was a talented athlete, particularly in the 100 metres and long jump, representing the area at the County Athletics Championship."

Mr Earl said Emily had worked diligently throughout her time at the school, particularly during Key Stage 4 when she was having health problems. "She was a perfectionist in many ways," he added. "She enjoyed and excelled in subjects such as ICT, geography and mathematics - we were proud of her coping so well with her studies." Last November, Emily returned to Wigmore to pick up an achievement award at the school's presentation evening.

"We were delighted to have her back to see her receive her award," Bob said.

"The news of Emily's passing left the whole school with a deep sense of sadness, the occasion being marked by a special assembly and period of quiet in the school as a mark of respect as people remembered Emily and her contribution to our community."

An inquest into the circumstances surrounding Emily's death has been opened and adjourned by the Herefordshire coroner. Police confirm there are no suspicious circumstances.