Pupils and staff at John Kyrle High School, have been united in grief with the wider community of Ross, this past week as they struggle to come to terms with the death of 15-year-old Lauren Hughes.

The news that Lauren, who loved dancing and chatting with her friends via her laptop, had died of complications following an asthma attack on Tuesday, May 1st, stunned the normally noisy school into silence.

Groups of youngsters gathered throughout the day on Wednesday to pay tribute to Lauren, to leave flowers and messages, and to spend time in reflection.

Headteacher Nigel Griffiths made an announcement at assembly on Wednesday morning but hundreds of bouquets had already started to arrive. By Wednesday evening many of the local supermarkets had sold out.

Mr Griffiths said that Lauren, who was in Year 10, was a personable, hugely popular student and was a credit to her family, the school and the community. She was involved in all aspects of school life and was a particularly keen dancer. Her tragic and untimely loss will be deeply felt by the school.

On Wednesday evening there was a moving ceremony as lanterns and balloons were released into the darkening sky by a group of several hundred friends and family.

Lauren's mother, Dolly, her father, Pat and brother, Liam, released the following tribute to the Ross Gazette:?"Lauren's family would like to thank all the friends for the heartfelt tributes they have been arranging in her memory.

"We have all been truly touched by just how many people loved and cared about her. We would also like to say thank you to all who are still sending messages to her phone, they have really touched our hearts. Her parents and brother feel so proud to have had such an amazing daughter and sister."

She also had several aunties and uncles as well as lots of cousins who will miss her a great deal.

Lauren's funeral will take place on Thursday, May 17th at St Mary's Church, Ross.

Her family would like all those who attend to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.

Donations in memory of Lauren can be sent to Abbotsfield Funeral Directors who will pass them on to the Intensive Care Unit at the University of North Staffordshire Hospital."Hiya my beautiful Laur Laur, I have your bracelet on like I said I would. You were so so beautiful, last night I slept with your jacket because I missed you so much. You've still got my 'Superdry' babe so I think it's fair that I have your jacket. I miss you so so much babe my heart aches without you, my stomach aches. Rest now baby. Hope to speak to you soon. Forever yours Luke. Love you millions and billions and trillions and to the bottom of my heart. ? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx – Boyfriend of Lauren.... Luke Clarke

"Lauren words can not express how so many people are feeling at your sudden departure from their lives. You should feel proud at the maturity of the students of J.K.H.S on Tuesday night. They all did a wonderful tribute to you.

All your family and boyfriend have been so strong although we all know they must be screaming the same word everyone else is, 'WHY?' MY family had the pleasure of knowing you for a short time but we all marvel at what a beautiful and likeable young lady you were ... Ross has lost another too quickly but I am sure you will be the brightest star shining from our sky. ?" – Toni Bradley-Hall.

"Lauren, u may be out of sight and out of reach but u will always be in our hearts and minds, R.I.P Lauren deepest sympathy to Dolly, Pat, Liam and all the family xxx" – Darren Russell

"Lauren, you lit up dance practice with your smile and presence, now you can dance with the angels. Sleep tight xx." – Carl Garbett.

"The Russell family is very sorry to hear of the sad, sad news about Lauren. Having lived next door to your nan, grandad, mum, Tracey and Shane for many years we know how close you all are and how sad this event has been and will continue to be. You will be sorely missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Higgins and Hughes families, especially Dolly, Pat and Liam. This is such a sad occasion, Mouse, Mel, Milo and Monty." – Marc 'Mousey' Russell.

"Heaven has found its missing Angel. Now please look down on your family and help them through this tough time. Thoughts are with all Lauren's family and friends x X x". – Vicky Hodges.

Beth Moore copied this poem onto a balloon pictured right;

"But when tomorrow starts without me,

Please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name,

And took me by the hand,

and said my place was ready,

In heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind

All those I dearly love.

For a very special girl, you touched so many hearts and you will be missed by so many, you were truly loved and so young to die. Rest in peace sweety, see you on the other side of the rainbow" – Beth Moore

"My family and I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lauren Hughes. x" – Melanie G Robinson.

"My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Lauren Hughes. x" – Ann Marie Matthews.

"Lauren, can't believe you're gone, you were only 15 years old, we never got to say how much we love u and goodbye. I will always have you in my heart, u might be gone and out of sight but you will never be forgotten. You never got to see what we did at school on Tuesday, hope you got all the lanterns and balloons we gave you, love you so much I don't have anymore tears left in me. I just wished you could have seen how many people loved you. You were there for me all the time I was upset you tried your best, no one will never forget you LOVE YOU SOO SOO MUCH BBZ hope you liked your flower. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx – Chloe Hatch

"Lauren Hughes; can't believe you have gone: you're such a gorgeous girl and the nicest girl anyone had ever known! You never deserved this at all! You were always there for everyone; if anyone wanted cheering up or just a chat! School isn't the same without you here; it doesn't seem right not seeing you stood at the front gates with your beautiful smile! Everyone at school came together as a family Wednesday, and Luke was so strong; you should be proud of him! Hope you liked all the lanterns and your flowers+skittles!

Love you so much! You're gone; but will never be forgotten Lauren; missed and loved by millions!! ???. – Hollie Lovering

"Lauren, simple as, everyone loves u, everyone misses u, its such a shame u have gone, but you're still in our hearts ?" – Colin Davies

"Lauren was a truly amazing girl who touched many hearts. We are so privileged to have had you in our Dance family and will miss you more than you could ever imagine, Sleep tight angel and keep dancing love and miss you lots, Louise, Lisa and all the girls xxxx" – Lisa Dean.