THE devastated family of a 12-year-old from Nelson who died after falling from a tree today revealed she was about to be a bridesmaid at her brother's wedding.

Rachel Stewart was with friends on land behind Fisher-More High School, Gibfield Road, Colne, when the accident happened.

Today her parents Graham, 43, and Arlene, 42, of Hollins Road, Nelson, paid tribute to their much-loved daughter.

They said: "Rachel was a very happy, loving person. She'd do anything for anyone and was very popular.

"She was due to be a bridesmaid soon and was very excited.

"We're still trying to come to terms with Rachel's death. She will be terribly, terribly missed."

The accident happened shortly before 9pm on Monday when police said Rachel -- a pupil at Walton County High, Nelson -- fell from a "considerable height".

Witnesses said she initially got up but then collapsed.

The year eight pupil, who had two brothers Darren, 21, and Gareth, 17, was taken by police helicopter to the Royal Preston Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Yesterday fellow pupils at the Oxford Road school said prayers for Rachel.

East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor has been informed and an inquest is due to be opened this week.