TRIBUTES have poured in for a former Kendal schoolgirl who tragically died after collapsing while preparing for a hockey match.

Accomplished sailor and sports enthusiast Holly Monk, 18, is reported to have died from a heart attack which she suffered while warming up with Norton Hockey Club, based near Stockton-on-Tees in the North East.

Holly spent many of her younger years in South Lakeland, where she was a pupil at Kirkbie Kendal School, a member of Ullswater and Bassenthwaite Yacht Clubs, and was employed at Windermere School's summer school.

Phil Hyman, head teacher at Kirkbie Kendal School, which Holly attended until 2015, described her as an 'excellent young person'.

"She was a super student," he said. "She was friendly, outgoing, very active in sports, and teachers have told me she really loved to get to grips with every aspect of the subjects she studied. She worked very hard and she worked enthusiastically.

"She was an excellent young person in all aspects and we're all very sad to hear the tragic news and our thoughts and condolences go to the family."

She passed away on Monday, November 20.

Team mates of the teenager at Norton paid a special tribute to her at the weekend by all wearing shirts with Monk and love hearts on the back.

Writing on Facebook after the club's weekend victory, Emily Good, one of Holly's coaches, said: "We all knew that this match was going to be the hardest match we were ever going to play and watch, but we pulled each other through to the very end.

"With grit, tears, excitement and laughter, we fought throughout and we did her proud."

A teammate of Holly's added: "She will be missed by all the members at the club."

Holly was also a keen sailor and and was a member of Ullswater Yacht Club.

A spokesperson for the club said: "Holly has been a member of the club just for a few years but she’s made a big impact with some of the younger members.

"She has sailed a 29er at Ullswater also she sailed a RS Feva at Windermere School.

"Holly, you will be dearly missed and our thoughts are with your parents and the rest of the family."