STUDENTS and staff at the Chase Technology College in Malvern are mourning the sudden death of an "outstanding" student.

Fifteen-year-old Tammatari Tammy' Holmes died on Tuesday, February 27, of an unidentified virus, which cau-sed liver failure, then multiple organ failure.

Kevin Peck, headmaster of the Chase described Tammy as one of the school's best year 10 pupils, and said everyone who knew her was devastated.

"Tammy was, simply, an outstanding young person," he said, in a letter sent out to all parents this week.

"She was highly intelligent, a good student, sporty, musical, fun-loving, popular with fellow students and staff, attractive and a thoroughly decent human being.

"When Mr and Mrs Holmes came to the school, the morning after she died, they said Tammy had loved the school.

"I was able to say, without hesitation and with absolute truth, that the students and staff of The Chase loved Tammy. She is and will be much missed."

A keen sports player, Tammy was a star player on the school girl's rugby team, and was playing right up until her death.

She lived in Bromyard, near Hereford, with her parents John and Oui Holmes, and younger brother Kevin.

Mr Peck said both Tammy and Kevin were so keen to attend The Chase, in Geraldine Road, that her parents ferried them there every day. "Tammy's involvement in school activities, especially sport and music, was even more remarkable in these circumstances," said Mr Peck.

"She was a very special girl."

A special assembly was held in Tammy's memory, a minute's silence took place before all sports matches, and the school flag was flown at half-mast, as a mark of respect.

Mr Peck is also inviting anyone who knew Tammy to contribute items, from stories and memories, to photographs, to produce a book of condolence for the Holmes family.

Her funeral is due to be held today at St Peter's Church, Bromyard, and the school has arranged to transport all the pupils wishing to attend.

Mr Peck said further tests were being held to determine the cause of Tammy's death, but meningitis had been ruled out and there was no risk to those who have had contact with her.