FAMILY, friends and teachers who knew and loved Seend teenager Chloe Gilbert, who died after collapsing from a possible allergic reaction, have spoken of their devastation.

Chloe, 15, who was a pupil at Melksham Oak School, fell ill in the Southgate shopping centre in Bath just before 3pm on Sunday.

Emergency services were called but she died shortly afterwards.

This week her family spoke of their beautiful and talented daughter saying: "Our whole family and so many of Chloe's friends have been left devastated at this sudden and tragic event.

"Chloe was diagnosed from an early age with an allergy to dairy products.

"The cause of Chloe's death has yet to be ascertained; however, we believe it may have been as a result of something Chloe had eaten.

"We urge anyone who has an allergy to seek immediate medical assistance if they believe they are suffering any form of reaction."

Stephen Clark, head of Melksham Oak, said: "Our whole school is devastated by the tragic loss of Chloe. One of the first things that you noticed when you met Chloe was her smile, she had a huge smile.

"It was infectious, along with her lust for life. We know that Year 11 is so important for our students, and yet we know whatever her results were, Chloe would have succeeded in life.

"Chloe had a great sense of humour and was beautiful inside and out. She had time for people and genuinely tried to look after those around her. Chloe was also creative, she drew fantastic pictures, as if the colour and warmth she had inside needed to radiate outwards.

"Chloe was an exceptionally popular member of the school, always surrounded by a clutch of giggling friends. She could talk the hind legs off a donkey. This may not have always been at the right times, but that innocent smile would spread angelically and it was impossible to be angry as you fought back your own grin.

"It’s always very painful to say goodbye to someone like Chloe, the fact that none of us had a chance to, makes it even harder. She will be remembered though, and her legacy will live on through her family and friends.

"There has not been a single person, teacher or student that has not had anything but the most positive of things to say about this young woman.

"This just goes to show what an impact she had on those that met her. Chloe was a vibrant, enthusiastic and bubbly young lady who always did her best. She will be sorely missed by all of us at Melksham Oak School.

"Our thoughts are with her family at this painful time. She will always be remembered here for her attitude; it was the smile that did it."

Friends took to Facebook to leave their own tributes. Ebony Bryant said: "I may not have known you that long and we haven't been as close this year but you'll forever be in my heart. You're such a stunning girl and loved by so many of us. A massive thanks to your family for raising an inspiring young girl but also so sorry for you. Fly high up there, you deserve the best chlo. You'll never be forgotten angel."

Candice Walters said: "Life is so unfair. We have some amazing memories which literally some of them were the best weeks I've had away and they will never be forgotten, Chloe Gilbert rest in peace you beautiful, beautiful soul."

Brenna Rose Grice wrote: "R.I.P Chloe Gilbert you will never be forgotten you will always be a part of us all gonna be missed by loads of people."