British Teenager Drowns In The Algarve

A teenage girl from West Sussex has died while on a family holiday in the Algarve.

Mia Knight, 16, is believed to have fallen unconscious while swimming in the sea at Portimao in Portugal on Wednesday.

Lifeguards managed to bring her ashore and spent more than an hour trying to resuscitate her, but to no avail.

It is believed Mia had been due to collect her GCSE results on Thursday.

Warm tributes have been paid to the youngster, who went to Hove Park School in Hove near Brighton.

One message on Facebook, from Josie Milligan, said: "RIP Mia Knight, so sad to think such a young life could be lost. Much love to the family. Will miss you Mia, never forgotten!"

Another, from Ashleigh Messer, read: "RIP Mia Knight, you beautiful girl. You will NEVER be forgotten, one of the loveliest girls I'd ever met. Still can't believe you're gone."

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman confirmed it is offering consular assistance to Mia's family.